The Egyptian Journal of Hospital Medicine (Oct. 2012) Vol., 49: 839– 856
Ecological studies on the diversity of terrestrial poisonous snakes "Proteroglyphous” of Jazan region Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Reptilia: Ophidia) Mostafa, F. Masood Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University (Assiut – Egypt) Department of biology, Faculty of Science, Jazan University, Kingdom Saudi Arabia Email: [email protected]
ABSTRACT: The present work was carried out in Jazan region. The region of Jazan in being in the South-Western part of Saudi Arabia between longitudes 420 and 43.80 and latitudes 5, 16o and 17o, and is bounded on the south and east of the Republic of Yemen, Asir area in the north and the Red Sea in the west. The results showed that there are four families of poisonous snakes "Proteroglyphous" living in Jazan region. They are: Family Atractaspididae, Elapidae, Viperidae and Hydrophiidae . This work aimed to unveil ecological problems and throw light on diversity of poisonous snakes in Jazan region and the danger of these species to human life. Despite the fact that these snakes may be harmful to human life in some cases, it may also be useful to him in many aspects of life. Since there are no enough studies on the animal species in the region, this study came to identify the diversity of this animal group. There is no doubt that the study of these species and identifying them will provide some solutions that could make this group as an endless source of biodiversity and at the same time, this study provides information on the feasibility of protection of this species in this region. Discussion of ecological and geographical affinities of this taxa and taxonomic keys of different types in order to facilitate the process of identification will be provided. Key words: Biodiversity, conservation, Reptilian, Serpents, Habitat, Ecology, Survey, Feeding, behavior and Zoogeographical distribution. *Permanent Address: Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Al Azhar University (Assiut- Egypt) . Email: [email protected]
INTRODUCTION The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is studies have been undertaken on Saudi mostly desert and its geographical location Arabian snakes and lizards. between the temperate and tropical climatic Reptiles are considered a major part of regions, together with the extreme Jazan fauna and have an important variations in its climatic conditions, make it economic value in many ways. Reports on unique in harboring many species of the Jazan reptile, fauna are relatively few reptiles. However, very few ecological
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Biodiversity is one of the most basic natural Banaja (1980) identified four anuran resources of the Kingdom, if not the most species, 28 species of lizards and 15 species important in the current era, and is meant to of snakes, and mapped their distribution in "contrast and difference at the level of the western region of Saudi Arabia. Fifty- living organisms from all sources of natural one species of snakes can be recognized in ecosystems, including terrestrial, marine Arabia. Nine of these are poisonous sea and aquatic environment which they are snakes and the remaining 42 species are part" (UNEP, 1992). terrestrial, of which 9 are poisonous In 2001 the Kingdom of Saudi (Mandaviile, 1965; Gasperetti, 1974; Arabia became a signatory to the Leviton, 1977 a & b and Al-Sadoon, Convention on Biological Diversity that 1980). seeks to ensure the conservation of species The environmental strategy of and their habitats for all time (Abu Zinada Jazan considered biodiversity as one of its et al., 2004). priorities conservation, which has become The world awoke recently to the an important issue receiving national and importance of biodiversity and the adverse international attention. The interest in consequences of the loss, falling, or where conservation of biodiversity increased due countries and organizations concerned with to population declines and extinctions this aspect of great importance rushed to the throughout the world, which was found to adoption of the International Convention on be for many reasons; habitat loss and Biodiversity signed this Convention more degradation. Unsustainable use, invasive than 150 countries at a conference in the species, environmental pollution, disease city of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil in 1992. and global climate change (Gibbon and Some scientists estimate that the number of Stangel, 1999). Herpetofauna is among the species on the known so far (Hammond, animal groups, which suffer "world wide" 1995). of decline (Gibbon et al., 2000). At the Very few ecological studies have national level, the population of been undertaken on Saudi Arabian snakes herpetofauna has affected by almost the and lizards. Certain authors have described same reasons (Saleh, 1997). small collections of amphibians and reptiles There are three types of venomous from different regions in Saudi Arabia, snakes: Opysthoglyph, Proteroglyph and including the Southern Hijaz (Parker, Solenoglyph. The first type is mostly 1933& 1938); Eastern Arabia and harmless or mildly venomous snakes. Their Northeastern Arabia (Mandaville, 1965& fangs are enlarged rear teeth with a groove 1967); Central Arabia (Schmidti , 1941 that venom flows down while they are and Al-Wailly & Al-Uthman,1971) and swallowing their prey. Proteroglyphs have Riyadh (Hussein, 1966). Farag and small, fixed, non-movable front fangs.
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When they bite, they hang on and chew come under increasing pressure from their prey to envenomate it, like Cobras collection for their venom, which fetches a (Naja). Which conceder one of the deadliest high price in the pharmaceutical market. snakes in the world. Solenoglyphs have The objective of the present work is movable front fangs that fold back into the to enhance further the biological and mouth until they are needed (Sharawy and ecological studies and will be of most Alshammari, 2009). These snakes are very importance to those who engaged in the dangerous for they can open their mouths conservation of the natural biological almost 180 degrees with their fangs resources. The work aimed to unveil on extended straight out. They can strike at any ecological problems, in addition to provide portion of the body and their attack is much up-date information about the composition, unpredictable. Snake venom is modified ecology, conservation and the diversity of saliva that is primarily used for hunting poisonous snakes, which are found in Jazan (capturing and digesting the prey). Some area, and the danger these species represent, venom is hematoxic (affecting the blood). It which are widespread in different localities destroys tissues and causes great pain, of Jazan. The work aimed dealing with the swelling and thinning or thickening of the poisonous snakes in detail as one of the blood (Egan, 2007). natural resources in Jazan. Venomous snakes (Proteroglyphous) MATERIAL AND METHODES: are the most dangerous inhabitants in the (1) The Study Area: world. They inhabit deserts, fields and The present work was carried out in valleys. Snakes of the families are highly Jazan region. The region of Jazan in being toxic to man. Snake venom is produced by in the South-Western part of Saudi Arabia a pair of modified salivary gland that open between longitudes 42 o and 43.80 and to a pair of hollow fangs by narrow venom latitudes 5, 16o and 17o, and is bounded on ducts. The venom is mainly made of the South and east of the Republic of proteins mostly enzymes besides non- Yemen. Asir area in the North and the Red protein components, which are divided into Sea in the West; Jazan region is away from inorganic and organic constituents. All the city of Riyadh with a distance of 1000 venoms cause severe changes in one or km and the holy city of Mecca with a more body organs of the victim. Viperidae distance of 500 km. The region is snakes are mainly hemotoxic, while distinguished with its long coasts on the Elapidae and Atractaspididae snakes are Red Sea, which estimated at about 200 km; mainly neurotoxin. and its towering green mountains in the The venomous borrowing asp, Eastern region. The region is followed by cobras, carpet vipers, and puff adder are all several islands in the Red Sea, the most relentlessly persecuted, and are likely to important and largest one is the island of
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Farasan, the estimated size of Jazan region occupies an area of 6.0% of the Kingdom of of about 40000 km2 and this means that it Saudi Arabia Fig. (1).
Fig.(1) Map of Saudi Arabia and enlarged part of Jazan region showing the location of the study area A biotic Elements of the Study Area: other record of literature. Snakes were The topography of the study area obtained by putting a hard stick on the head was investigated directly and examining and pressing with stick on the snake head in literature. Notes on the climatic condition such a manner that the snake could not were obtained during the visits to the study move its head or its jaws, then, the snake area, the bulk of information about climatic was held with the thumb and forefinger just condition were also obtained from the behind the head pulling of snakes out of Meteorological unit Jazan. holes or crevices by their tails many injure Biotic Elements of the Study Area: them seriously. Date, locality, Co-ordinates: Information on the fauna of the Latitude, longitude and altitude, have been study area were obtained by direct recorded by a GPS (Table 1), time of day observation, residents communication and and other ecological information were examining literature. Collections of local recorded. Dead animals were preserved in fauna were also carried out for further 10% formalin. Relatively lager animals identification. were injected with 10% formalin before Surveying Snakes in the Study Area: being preserved. Specimens in the The survey of venomous snakes collection were identified by standard keys depended on the collected material, and (Marx, 1968; Levition et al., 1992;
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Schleich et al., 1996 and Saleh, 1997). according to IUCN (2005). The status of each species was identified Table (1). Co-ordinates: Latitude, longitude and altitude, of the studies area by a GPS Co-ordinates No Location Altitude (meter) Latitude Longitude ِ Site (1) Al-Aradha 200 m 17° 02' 43° 05'
Site (2) Sabya 60 m 17° 10' 43° 43'
Site (3) Al-Darb 100 m 17° 44' 42° 16'
Site (4 ) Al-Haredah 60 m 17° 47' 41° 57'
Site (5 ) Zahban 17 m 18° 06' 41° 37'
Site (6 ) Al-Khoba 306 m 16° 47' 43° 14'
Site (7 ) Ahad Almasarha 55 m 16° 43' 42° 57'
Site (8 ) Abu- Arish 65 m 16° 58' 42° 49'
Site (9 ) Sad Malaky 180 m 17° 01' 42° 58'
Site (10 ) Bish 183 m 17° 26' 42° 32'
Site (11 ) Wadi Jory 472 m 17° 18' 43° 04'
Site (12 ) Wadi Laijab (Al reth ) 390 m 18° 32' 42° 59'
Site (13 ) Al -Hakwo 190 m 17° 29' 42° 41'
Site (14 ) Wadi kholb 90 m 16° 43' 42° 57'
Site (15 ) Samtah 50 m 17° 02' 43° 05'
Site (16 ) Al rad 220 m 17° 028' 42° 58'
RESULTS The Study Area: it one of the finest agricultural regions of Jazan region with its habitat the Kingdom. The geographical diversity of diversity different from the rest of the the region is an appropriate opportunity to Kingdom makes it a region rich in study the biodiversity, especially that the biodiversity, where the mountainous areas region lacked the studies in this regard. bordering the east and find the sea beaches Jazan most famous mountains are: bordered on the west. As well as sand dunes mountains of Bani Qays, Abadlah and Sala and plains and green agricultural hills mountain. This mountains are located in the which characterizing the region and makes southeastern part of the region. Belghazi
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Mountains to the east of the region. Hurub Jazan a rate of more than 300 mm3/y. As mountains, ARRith mountain, ArRabu, ah for the mountain regions in Jazan the mountain, Alfarashah. Mountains Hashr, temperature, degree is moderate in summer valleys of Jazan region. The main seasons and so cold in winter and cool air almost in the region is autumn, held the clouds, throughout the year in mountainous areas rains fall and the overflowing flood. In the and rainfall all over the year. region there are about 29 valleys "Wadi Species Composition Bayd, Wadi Baysh, Wadi Dhahban, Wadi The present results showed the Ta'shar. Wadi alkor,, Wadi Khulba, Wadi poisonous snakes in Jazan table (2-3) it AlMa'yn, Wadi Jazan, and Wadi Nakhlan, represented by four families Wadi Damad, Wadi AlRayah, Wadi Sabya, Atractaspididae represents 2.1% from total Wadi Amleh, Wadi Atud, Wadi Samarah, of snakes of Jazan and 5 % from the Wadi Wasa, and Wadi Aramram Wadi poisonous snakes. It includes one species. Hurub, Wadi Hamdah Wadi Al khoms, Elapidae represents 6.3% from total of Wadi Ramlan, Wadi Plage, Wadi Rym, snakes of Jazan and 15 % from the Wadi, Ghuan , Wadi Fayfa and Wadi Moka. poisonous snakes. It includes three species. Climate of the Study Area: Viperidae represents 12.5 % from total of Average temperature in January snakes and Jazan and 30 % from the about 23 Co in August to about 33 degress poisonous snakes. It includes five species. Celsius, and the average relative humidity Hydrophiidae represents 20.8 % from total in January 74%; In August, 66% and the of snakes of Jazan and 50 % from the average of 68% over the year and rain fall poisonous snakes. It includes 10 species. in winter, spring and autumn and rate of fall Nevertheless, this search concentrated on is to more than 600 mm3/y and more in the terrestrial snakes. mountain areas. The rainfall in coasts of Table (2): Species Composition of Snake Fauna of Jazan: Family Genera Species % Typholopidae 2 2 4.1 Letotypholopidae 1 2 4.1 Boidae 1 2 4.1 Colubridae 12 22 46 Atractaspididae 1 1 2.1 Elapidae 2 3 6.3 Hydrophiidae 5 10 20.8 Viperidae 3 6 12.5 Total 24 48 100
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Table (3): Species Composition of Poisonous Snake of Jazan: Family Genera Species % Atractaspididae 1 1 5 Elapidae 2 3 15 Hydrophiidae 5 10 50 Viperidae 3 6 30 Total 6 20 100 %
Systematic list: are very dangerous snake, which are Class: Reptilia known to have resulted in human Order: Squomata mortalities throughout its range. Sub-order: Ophidia Status: rare and very localized, classified Family 1: Atractaspididia as Least Concern by IUCN (2005) Genus: Atractaspis Smith, 1849 ------ Attactaspis engaddensis Hass, 1950: Family 2: Elapidae Common name: Oasis Mole Viper or Genus: Naja Laurenti, 1978 Burrowing adder Naja haje Arabica (Linnaeus, 1758). Arabic name: Haffar Sinai, Common name: Cobra; Arabian Hanash Aswad, El Abtar and Abo Arabic name:Al-Cobra; Al-Nashir shenf, black snake. Distribution: Africa and Arabia. Distribution: Sinai, Palestine, Distribution in Jazan: sites (1, 5, 6, 7, Jordan and southwestern and central 10, 11) Saudi Arabia Habitat: It habits areas with Distribution in Jazan: sites (1, 3, 10, at least some vegetation and water, 13) never in deserts, steppes, dry Habitat: Rocky desert savannahs, semi desert, margin of Activity Pattern: It is a nocturnal deserts, in oases, Wadis, on farmland snake near old wall or ruins, in ditches along Feeding: If feeds on rodents, amphisbaenas, roads and on hills with sparse. lizards and other Snakes. Behavior: It occasionally enters Mode of feeding: active searcher human habitations. Frequently near Zoogeographical distribution: water. It was met on margins of the Saharan and Ethiopian species backwaters left by the retiring Nile Behavior: It is Fossorial, burrowing (Anderson, 1898). Herbert (1981) saw this species swimming in the snake but occasionally comes above Mediterranean Sea. Its characteristic ground. This snake spends most of it cobra threat stance with the elevated
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attacking viscously when cornered, its Distribution in Jazan: sites (1, 3, 5, 6, 7) characteristic cobra threat stance with Habitat: Vegetation areas. the elevated anterior part of the body Activity Pattern: Diurnal and dilated hood is very characteristic Feeding: Feeds on frogs, toads, fishes, (Saleh, 1997). Very quick by lateral birds and small Mammalian. undulation swims voluntarily across Mode of feeding: Active searchers. broad watercourses and it were Zoogeographical distribution: occasionally observed climbing on Saharan and Ethiopian species trees. Schleich et al. (1996) reported Behavior: The spitting cobra is a that mating is in early summer is loose relatively aggressive snake. When soil. Abandoned rodent burrows, old irritated it assumes the typical cobra termite mounds or under rocks. threat attitude with the raised anterior Oviparous: oviposition in July – August part of the body and dilated hood. If – incubation period 48-52 day. approached closely, the snake will lower Activity Pattern: Diurnal, but its anterior part to form about a 45- Schliech et al. (1996) said that is the degree angle, open its month and most crepuscular and nocturnal species, forcefully ejects a stream of poison but it can often be seen active by day toward the intruder. The poison is even during the hottest hours. usually direct to the eyes of the intruder Feeding: Feeds on frogs, toads, fishes, with amazing accuracy. Resulting in birds and small mammalian. severe pain and inflammation. If not Mode of Feeding: Active searchers. immediately washed off, it might lead to Zoogeographical Distribution: irreversible damage to the eyes and even Saharan and Ethiopian species blindness (Saleh, 1997). In one case, the Status: Widespread and common, snake even spitted through a cloth threatened by intensive commercial collection bag on to the face of a person collection. This species is near who was handling it (Personal threatened. It is classified as Least experiences). Concern by IUCN (2005) Status: Uncommon and localized in ------Saudi Arabia. This species is near Naja nigricoolis nigricollis Reinhardt, threatened. It is classified as Least 1843) . Concern by IUCN (2005). Common name: Spitted cobra; Black------necked cobra Genus:Walterinnsia Latasta, 1887 Arabic name:Al-Cobra ; Al-Bakhakh. Walterinnsia aegyptia Latasta, 1887. Distribution: Africa
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Common name:Innes Cobra; Black Arabic name: Haiya Al - Moqrana. . desert cobra Inne's cobra. Hayya umm jnaeb, Umm Krun or Arabic name:Al- Bargeel, Yaim , Al- horned snake. Sul; meaning the Black one. Distribution: This species is widely Distribution: Northeastern Egypt and distributed throughout Africa to southwestern Asia. southwestern Asia (Marx, 1968). In Distribution in Jazan: sites (1, 3, 5, Saudi Arabia, it has been reported from 6,7,10,15) Alula, Duba, Ummlij, Dirs (Farag and Habitat: Rocky areas. . Banaja, 1980) and from Bishah, Jabrin, Feeding: It seems that they prey mainly Abqaiq, Dharan, Al-Jubayl, Badanah on Uromastyx sp. and Mahd Al-Dhahab (Gasperetti, Mode of feeding: Active searchers. 1974). It is the commonest snake in the Zoogeographical Distribution: Central Region (Al-Sadoon, 1989). Ethiopian species. Distribution in Jazan: sites (1, 2, 4, 7, Behavior: 6.9, 10, 13, 15,) o This snake is much feared by the Habitat: Horned vipers are true desert people. It is not as aggressive as the snake, preferring sandy soil with some cobra of genus Naja, when disturbed it vegetation rocky outcrops as shelters. . rarely attacks, and simply tries to hide Activity Pattern: Nocturnal activity. (Saleh, 1997). The venom of this Feeding: It ranges long distances in species is reported to be much less search prey, which is mainly small potent than that of other members of birds (song-birds) or small mammals this family (Gaspertti, 1988). He also (Gerbillus, Mus and Rattus), Lizards added, it is strictly nocturnal and and occasionally young or small fossorial, rarely coming to the surface snakes,. of the ground. Mode of feeding: Depending upon the Status: threatened. It is classified as availability of food, it has two ways in Least Concern by IUCN (2005). feeding strategies (Sit & wait and active ------searcher feeding). Family (3): Viperidae Zoogeographical Distribution: Genus: Cerastes Laurenti, 1768. Palaearctic species. Cerastes cerastes gasperetti (Leviton Behavior: It is a true side winder, & Anderson 1967) never have been seen to employ any Common name: Greater cerastes other type of locomotion. Preferred Viper; Horned Viper. hiding places are burrows of small rodents and Uromasyx, also under grass
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tussocks, small shrubs or flat rocks. Mode of feeding: Depending upon the They were even found in concrete availability of food, it has two ways in water conducts. Mating in April-June feeding strategies (Sit & wait and active depending on the climate. Ovipositor in search feeding). July – August - incubation period 6-8 Zoogeographical distribution: weeks, hatching mostly in October. Palaearctic species. Saleh (1997) reported that some Behavior: It buries itself in the sand individuals have two horns located tail first with shoveling motions of the above the eyes and are made of single flattened body without changing the spine each. Hornless individual are also location of the body loops. Only the common. Horned and hornless eyes and nostrils remain above the individuals are found in males and surface. The hidden snakes can be females of all age groups from the same discovered by following their traces. locality or even the same brood. The Oviparous. Mating in April – June. percentage of horned to hornless Hatching mostly in August. Juveniles individuals in a population differs from hatch a few hours after Ovipositor. one area to another. Status: Uncommon, and much localized Status: Widespread and common, .because it often found in high densities threatened by intensive commercial it is susceptible to intensive collection by collection. This species is near commercial animal collectors. This threatened in Saudi Arabia; it is species is near threatened in Saudi classified as Least Concern by IUCN Arabia; it is classified as Least Concern (2005) by IUCN (2005). ------ Genus Echis Merrem, 1920 Cerastes vipera (Linnaeus 1758) . Echis coloratus Gunther 1878. Common name: Lesser Cerastes viper Common name: Burton's Carpet Arabic name: Haiya El – Qaraa Viper. Distributions: North Africa to Arabic name: Haiya Ghariba –Al- Arabia ragtag or spotted snakes . Distribution in Jazan: sites (1, 3, 5, 6, Distribution: Sinai, Israel and Arabian 7, 9, 10, 11, 13, 16) Peninsula Habitat: Sandy desert particularly sand Distribution in Jazan : sites (1, dune areas. 2,3,4,.5,6,7,8,9,10,11, ,13) Activity Patterns: Nocturnal activity Habitat: Strictly associated with Feeding: Feeding on lizards, rodents vegetated rocky Wadis. and small birds.
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Feeding: Small frogs, toads small Habitat: Desert, semi deserts and reptiles and small rodent and it was sandy plains, sometimes in grassy found in his stomach Scorpion, spider, terrain on cultivated land and gardens at termites and small beetles (Schliech et the border of oases. . al., 1996). Activity Patterns: mainly Nocturnal Mode of feeding: Chiefly nocturnal, Feeding: It feeds on lizard, rodents, but it is also found basking in the early small birds, Scorpion, small beetles, morning (in spring and autumn) small frogs, toads, Small Mice and Behavior: This species observed small rats. . wandering at night in search of rodents Mode of feeding: Depending upon the that form their main food. In daytime, availability of food, it has two ways in they conceal themselves below sand or feeding strategies (Sit & wait and active below vegetation. They also make use search feeding) of burrows of rodents. Occasionally, Behavior: It buries itself in the sand they climb in bushes up to a height of tail first with shoveling motions of the two meters. A very dangerous snake, flattened body without changing the venom is strongly coagulant and location of the body loops. Only the contains neurotoxin element. eyes and nostrils remain above the Oviparous, mating in August and surface. The hidden snakes can be September. Incubation 50-64 discovered by following their traces o day at temperature 32 C (night). oviparous. Mating in August and Zoogeographical Distribution: September, incubation, 50 – 64 days. Saharan (E). Saleh (1997) reported that this is Status: fairly common and widespread. probably the most dangerous snake in Classified as Least Concern by IUCN Jazan. Its venom is extremely potent. (2005) Zoogeographical Distribution: ------Saharan (E) . Echis carinatua (E. & I . Geoffroy Status: Uncommon, and much localized, ST. Hiliarie. 1827). because it often found in high densities, Common name: Saw-scaled viper. it is susceptible to intensive collection by Arabic name: Haiya Ghariba Samra commercial animal collectors. This Distribution: Throughout Africa north species is near threatened in Saudi of the Equator, throughout southern Arabia; it is classified as Least Concern Asia to India and Ceylon. by IUCN (2005) Distribution in Jazan : sites (1, ------2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11, ,13,14,15) Bitis arietans arietans Merrem, 1820
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Common name: Puff adder. clarification. The danger represented by Arabic name: Haiya Al Nafasa. a serpent to the man is not only in Distribution: This species is the most function of the strength of its venom, common and widespread venomous even if I have remarked that this is what snake in Africa. Its geographic range strikes more many people. includes: South Africa, Namibia, Zoogeographical Distribution: Swaziland, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Saharan (E). Oman, and Yemen. Genus Pesudocerates Boulnger, 1896 Distribution in Jazan: sites (1, 3, 5, 6, Pesudocerates persicus fieldi 7, 13, 14, 15) Schmidti, 1930. Habitat: is found in all habitats except Common name: Fields Horned - for true deserts and rain forests and Viper. mountain tops. The preferred habitat for Arabic name: Haiya Moqarana the species includes open grassland, Kaziba savanna, open woodlands and rocky Distribution: Sinai, Israel, Jordan outcrops northern Saudi Arabia and Feeding: Small frogs, toads, small southwestern Iraq. reptiles and small rodent but Schliech Distribution in Jazan: sites (1, 5, 6, 8, et al. (1996) found in its stomach 10, 12, 15, 16) Scorpion, spider, termites and small Habitat: Rocky areas of north and beetles. central Sinai.. Mode of feeding: Chiefly nocturnal, Activity Patterns: Nocturnal activity but it is also found basking in the early Feeding: Feeds on lizard, rodents and morning (in spring and autumn) small birds. . Behavior: It is a usually nocturnal Mode of feeding: Depending upon the animal, hunting in ambush, relying in availability of food, it has two ways in the immobility, but it is often met feeding strategies (Sit & wait and active during the day, basking in the sun. search feeding) After a cold night, an astonishing Zoogeographical Distribution: number of these reptilians may be met, Saharan (E). all lying on the slopes or on the roads, Status: Rare but fairly widespread. and, even if terrestrial, they do not Classified as Least Concern by IUCN hesitate in climbing low shrubs (2005) especially when the soil is humid. It is one of the most dangerous African serpents, but this assertion needs a
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Identification Key to Poisonous Snakes of than 130……………………. Cerastes vipera Jazan: - Scales between eyes 15 or more; ventrals Family: Atractaspididae: more than 130……………….….…Cerastes 1- Loreal absent …………………………………………cerastes,…… gasperetti…………… ……….… 2 2- Dorsal scales smooth in at least anterior - Scales between eyes 14 or more; ventrals 3 half of body ……………………………. 130………………….. Bitis arietans arietans 3- Anal plate single ……………..………………………….………….……...... DISCUSSION 4 4- Subacudals single …………………………..………………The... …..conservation Atractaspis of engaddensis biodiversity is Family: Elapidae particularly important as it provides the 5- Anal plate divided……………………………………………………………….option to use biological resources in the 6 6- Subcaudals paired …………………………………………………………………future. Therefore, with Saudi Arabian 7 7- Suboculars exclude eye from upper labials; National Report on Biodiversity that
1 anterior temporal…… Naja haje arabica provides both information on the status of 8- Eye in contact with at least one upper lable; biodiversity and presents the overall plan
2 anterior temporals…….. Naja n. nigricolis for implementing the Convention on 9- Scales keeled posteriorly; uniformly Biological Diversity, the Kingdom has blackish, large snake………………………. taken an important step in ensuring its Walterinnesia aegypeita natural heritage. For Family: Viperidae Venomous snakes (Proteroglyphous) are 10- Subcaudals single ……………………………………………...…the most dangerous………….. inhabitants……… in the 11 -Subcaudals paired world. They inhabit deserts, fields and …………………..….…….………... 12 valleys. Snakes of these families are highly 11- Scales on snout smooth or slightly keeled; toxic to man. Snake venom is produced by 3-4 series of scales between eye and upper a pair of modified salivary gland that open Labials …… ………………………….. to a pair of hollow fangs by narrow venom ………………………………Echis coloratus ducts. The venom is mainly made of - Scales on snout strongly keeled; usually 2 proteins mostly enzymes besides non- series of scales between eye and upper Labials protein components, which are divided into ……………………..……… Echis carinatus inorganic and organic constituents. All 12- Gulags, ventral, and Subcaudals keeled; venoms cause severe changes in one or keels of lateral scales serrated more body organs of the victim. Viperidae …………..……………………………….13 snakes are mainly hemotoxic, while
- Gulags, ventral, and Subcaudals smooth; Elapidae and Atractaspididae snakes are keels of lateral scales mainly neurotoxic. Hydrophiidae snakes are smooth,……Pseudocerastes persica fieldi mainly Myotoxins (Sea Snakes): There are 13- Scales between eyes 9-13; ventrals less no symptoms really. Just severe upper body
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Ecological studies on the diversity of terrestrial poisonous snakes… pain and urine changes to brown black within about 30 min: drooping of eyelids, color. biurred vision, difficulties in speaking and The cobra generally tries to escape. swallowing, dilated pupils; these are often According to Schliech (1987) their flight followed by flaccid muscle paralysis, distance is very low, namely less than 2-5 drowsiness and mental confusion, shallow m. If threatened, it assumes the typical and difficult respiration. Death occur after upright posture with expanded hood. Bites convulsions and coma. are common in some area. Venom yields of Viper venom (Cerastes, Echis) acts 175-300 mg have been reported. more on the vascular system, brining about Bites by Mole viper Atractaspis coagulation of the blood and clotting of the engaddensis usually show a single fang pulmonary arteries. Its action on the puncture because the snake is peculiar nervous system is not great, no individual manner of biting. Pain and swelling group of nerve cells appears to be picked develops rapidly usually accompanied by out and the effect upon respiration is not so nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, respiratory direct; the influence upon the circulation distress and cyanosis (Saleh, 1997). Local explains the great depression, which is a necrosis may be serving enough to require symptom of viperine envenomation. The amputation of digits (Leviton et al., 1992). pain of the wound is sever and is speedily Fatalities because of bite by this snake have followed by swelling and discoloration. been reported (Weister et al., 1984). In spite of the danger of these A terrestrial species is that often snakes, the existence of snake's especially remain in the same area for a long time. poisonous species is a type of the They are normally not aggressive even if environmental balance. The environmental the poison is neurotoxin and extremely balance based on the exchangeable dangerous. Despite the wide distribution of relationships between animals; that the big this species, the number of fatal bites is eats the smaller and snakes eats rodents. very low. The Jazan cobra feeds mainly on Therefore, snakes help to save the crops and amphibians and other snakes. The Arabian prevent the transference of diseases, which cobra is not able of spiting venom but the transfer to man by these rodents. Snakes close species Naja nigricollis is. If annoyed, also, are feeding on some other reptiles and they are able of standing up and displaying decrease their reproduction. They also, have a large hood. As defensive behavior, Naja a great economical and medical value. haje often shams death. Economically, their skin is exploited in Effects of venom to man: Heavy to many industries such as making shoes, very heavy local pain and swellings, cranial boots, belts, buttons, wallets, lampshades nerve palsies and respiratory paralysis; and other accessories. Medically, they are heavy local necrosis. Neurotoxin symptoms used in making antivenom serum, which
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Mostafa, F. Masood neutralizes the effect of snake's bits. In in the region to complete image of all addition, they have a scientific importance elements of biodiversity in the region. for research purposes. What can be done to REFERENCES: reverse population of these reptiles? Many 1. Abuzinada AH, Robinson ER, Nader IA and Al-Wetaid YI (2004): First Saudi options are available. Generally, Arabian National Report on the convention conservation programs must be on Biological diversity. The National commission for Wildlife conservation and multifaceted involving field and laboratory development, Riyadh. Siyadh. Saudi Arabia, 27-28pp. research to understand the animals, 2. Al-Farraj SA (1993): A study on some education to inform the public , legislation ecological and physiological aspects of Scincus mitramus in central region of Saudi to protect the endangered species and their Arabia. M. Sc. Thesis, King Saud University. Saudi Arabia. habitat , and if appropriate, captive breeding 3. Al-Johany AM (1986): Ecology and and management programs. reproductive biology of Acanthodactylus shmidti in central Arabia Ph. D. thesis, From the above we conclude that the Univ. of Southamptom. U. K.. 4. Al-Johany AM and Al-Sadiib MK necessity of conserving biodiversity lies in (1996): Selected body temperature and the conservation of the important metabolic rate-temperature curves of three species of desert snakes, J. Arid Environ environments, which is an important source UK., 34: 363-370. 5. Al-Johany AM, Al-Sasoon MK and Al- of biodiversity, therefore the conservation Farraj SA (1997): Reproductive biology of of biodiversity in Jazan, in general, is the skink Scincus mitranus Anderson 1871, in the central region of Saudi Arabia. J. reflected in several recommendations of the Arid Environ UK., 36: 319-326. utmost necessity in this study, which is: 6. Al-Jammaz I, Al-Sadoon MK, Attia MA and Fahim A (1992): Effect of 1 – Enabling the citizens to use the natural walterinnesia aegyptia venom on serum, tissue metabolites and some enzyme resources in the region in a way that activities in male albino rats, II Enzyme ensuring the continuation of these activities Ain Shams,. Sci. Bull. Egypt, 30: 207-222. resources and achieving a balance between 7. Al-Jammaz I, Al-Sadoon MK, Fahim A and Attia MA (1994): The effects of benefit and optimal utilization. Walterinnesia aegyptia venom on the serum 2 – The need for appropriate administrative and tissue metabolites and on some enzyme activities in albino rats. III. Effects on lipid procedures, which ensure preservation of metabolism and two dehydrogenases. J. King Saud Univ. Saudi Arabia, 6 (2): 207- the environments that represent the 215. biodiversity of the region. 8. Al-Jammaz I, Al-Sadoon MK and Fahim A (1999): A. Effects of LD50 dose of Echis 3- Enhanced protection more than it is now coloratus venom on serum and tissue metabolites and some enzymes of male in the southern areas and patrolling on a albino rats. J. King Saud Univ. Saudi regular basis to follow up on these areas. Arabia , 11( 2): 61 - 67. 9. Al-Mohareb F and Al-Sadoon MK 4 - Establishment of some protected areas (1994): Outcome of snakebites in Al-Baha district Ann. Saudi Med. Saudi Arabia, 14 in a number of important valleys in the (1): 26-29. region to ensure the preservation of species. 10. Al-Moteri MS (2005): The diversity of Fauna in the Ibex reserve. M. Sc. Thesis, 5 - As the study recommends further study King Saud Univ. Saudi Arabia. of the biological diversity of all the animals
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الملخص العربي دراسات بيئية علي تنوع الثعابين السامة األرضية "أمامية األنياب" في منطقة جازان -
المملكة العربية السعودية مصطفى فتحي مسعود كليه العلوم جامعة األزهر فرع أسيوط. كليه العلوم جامعة جازان قسم األحياء . المملكة العربية السعودية Email: [email protected]
لقد أظهرت النتائج إلى وجود أربع فصائل من الثعابين" أمامية األنياب" السامة إلى تقطن منطقه جازان وهذا من اجمالى عدد أنواع الثعابين الموجودة في المنطقة وهم :فصيلة االيالبيدى أو الكوبريات Elapidae. وفصيلة الفيبريدى "الحيات" Viperidae .وفصيلة األبتر Atractaspididae .وأيضا فصيلة الهيدروفيدى "Hydrophiidae "الثعابين البحرية " . وتم اقتراح هذه الدراسة إلماطة اللثام عن بعض المشاكل البيئية وإلقاء الضوء على التنوع الحيوي لألنواع السامة الموجودة في منطقة جازان و الخطورة التي تمثلها هذه األنواع بحياة اإلنسان والمنشرة في أماكن متعددة في منطقة جازان. وعلى الرغم من أن هذه الثعابين قد تكون ضارة بحياة اإلنسان في بعض األحيان فهي أيضا قد تكون نافعة له في كثير من النواحي الحياتية. وحيث أنه ال توجد دراسات كافية على األنواع الحيوانية الموجودة في المنطقة. أتت هذه الدراسة للتعرف على التنوع اإلحيائي لهذه المجموعة الحيوانية . والشك فإن دراسة هذه األنواع والتعرف عليها سوف يقدم بعض الحلول التي يمكن أن تجعل من هذه األنواع مصدراً ال ينضب للتنوع اإلحيائي وفي نفس الوقت توفر هذه الدراسة معلومات عن إمكانية جدوى الحماية في هذه المنطقة لهذه األنواع . وتأتي هذه الدراسة لتحقيق األهداف التالية: 1. وصف المنطقة بيئيا وجغرافيا. 2. مسح شامل لكل أنواع الثعابين الموجودة في ةالمنطق وخاصة األنواع السامة. 3. تقسيم الثعابيـن التي تـم حصرهـا بيئيـا مـن حيـث: التنوع الحيوي والتوزيـع الجغرافـي والتوزيع الزمني 4. دراسة طريقة االغتذاء و نوع الغذاء والسلوك . 5. عمل مفاتيح تصنيفية لألنواع المختلفة لكي يسهل من عملية التعرف عليها. 6. دراسة عالقة هذه الثعابين باإلنسان مع إلقاء الضوء على األهمية االقتصادية والطبية والعلمية لهذه الثعابين وكذا أهميتها بالنسبة لعملية التوازن البيئي. 7. إلقاء الضوء على طرق صون هذه الكائنات كأحد المصادر الطبيعية التي البد من الحفاظ عليها حتى ال تتعرض لالنقراض . 8. إعطاء مقترحات للجهات المعنية للمحافظة على األنواع الموجودة في المنطقة من خالل النتائج المتحصل عليها وتبرز أهمية هذه المقترحات لغرض صـون واستمرارية هذا التنوع.
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