1. A Pioneer Study on Conservation Status ofA Pioneer Study on Conservation Status of
Indian rock python in Deva Vatala NationalIndian rock python in Deva Vatala National
Park, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, PakistanPark, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan
Umer Hafeez Goursi*, Muhammad Siddique Awan*,Umer Hafeez Goursi*, Muhammad Siddique Awan*,
Riaz Aziz Minhas*, Muhammad Kabir **, Usman AliRiaz Aziz Minhas*, Muhammad Kabir **, Usman Ali
Mughal*& Naeem Iftikhar Dar***Mughal*& Naeem Iftikhar Dar***
*Department of Zoology, University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir,*Department of Zoology, University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir,
Muzaffarabad, **Department of Wildlife Management, PMAS Arid AgricultureMuzaffarabad, **Department of Wildlife Management, PMAS Arid Agriculture
university, Rawalpindi,*** Department of wild life and fisheries , AJ&Kuniversity, Rawalpindi,*** Department of wild life and fisheries , AJ&K

2. IntroductionIntroduction
 Indian pythonIndian python (Python molurus)(Python molurus) is a non-is a non-
venomous python species belongs to familyvenomous python species belongs to family
pythonidae of orderpythonidae of order SquamataSquamata in class reptiliain class reptilia..
 There are eightThere are eight generagenera and 26and 26 speciesspecies ofof
pythons currently recognized in the world.pythons currently recognized in the world.
Genus Python has seven species (ITIS., 2009a;Genus Python has seven species (ITIS., 2009a;
McDiarmid et al., 1999).McDiarmid et al., 1999).
 Indian Python has two subspecies, namely,Indian Python has two subspecies, namely,
Python molurus molurusPython molurus molurus andand P. m. bivittatusP. m. bivittatus
(Wall, 1912; McDiarmid(Wall, 1912; McDiarmid et al.et al., 1999), 1999)

3. Sub-species of Indian PythonSub-species of Indian Python
 Two subspecies ofTwo subspecies of P. molurusP. molurus are separated byare separated by
geographic range and certain physicalgeographic range and certain physical
characteristics.characteristics.
 P. molurus molurus (P. molurus molurus ( Indian Rock PythonIndian Rock Python ))
Native to India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. ,Native to India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. ,
 P. molurus bivittatusP. molurus bivittatus (Burmese python)(Burmese python)
Range from Myanmar eastward across southernRange from Myanmar eastward across southern
Asia through China and IndonesiaAsia through China and Indonesia
((Murphy and Henderson, 1997Murphy and Henderson, 1997))

4. DistributionDistribution
 AsiaAsia
 India, Sri Lanka, southern Nepal, Bangladesh,India, Sri Lanka, southern Nepal, Bangladesh,
Myanmar, southern China, Thailand, Laos,Myanmar, southern China, Thailand, Laos,
Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia and IndonesiaVietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia and Indonesia
(McDiarmid(McDiarmid et alet al., 1999)., 1999)
 PakistanPakistan
 Southern Sindh, district Sanghar (Khan,Southern Sindh, district Sanghar (Khan,
2006), Nawab Shaw district (Minton, 1966) .2006), Nawab Shaw district (Minton, 1966) .

5. Continue….Continue….
 Reported from Halji Lake and Dureji.Reported from Halji Lake and Dureji.
However, no authentic record of itsHowever, no authentic record of its
occurrence is available in Punjab.occurrence is available in Punjab.
 The species has also been reported in DevaThe species has also been reported in Deva
Vatala National Park AJK by AzamVatala National Park AJK by Azam et al.et al.
(2007) and Akram (2008).(2007) and Akram (2008).

6. StatusStatus
 P. molurus molurusP. molurus molurus is listed asis listed as
endangered in Appendix I of (CITES).endangered in Appendix I of (CITES).
 Lower Risk/Near Threatened (IUCN,Lower Risk/Near Threatened (IUCN,
2010)2010)
 Declared endangered under Schedule I ofDeclared endangered under Schedule I of
the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972,the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972,
(Mukherjee, 1982; Tikader 1983)(Mukherjee, 1982; Tikader 1983)

7. Aims and ObjectivesAims and Objectives
 DistributionDistribution
 Population StatusPopulation Status
 human-python conflicts with reference tohuman-python conflicts with reference to
livestock depredationlivestock depredation
 Developing GIS based informationDeveloping GIS based information
regarding species Distribution and locationregarding species Distribution and location
of livestock depredation by species in theof livestock depredation by species in the
study areastudy area

8. Material and MethodsMaterial and Methods
Study AreaStudy Area
 Deva Vatala National Park (study area) is located in sub-Deva Vatala National Park (study area) is located in sub-
division Burnala at a distance of about 40 km east to Bhimberdivision Burnala at a distance of about 40 km east to Bhimber
city in AJKcity in AJK
 Deva Vatala was declared as Game Reserve in 1982, havingDeva Vatala was declared as Game Reserve in 1982, having
500 ha area which was upgraded as National Park in 2007, with500 ha area which was upgraded as National Park in 2007, with
2993 ha area2993 ha area
 Ecological importance of Deva Vatala National Park was itsEcological importance of Deva Vatala National Park was its
habitat supporting some important wildlife species e.g., Indianhabitat supporting some important wildlife species e.g., Indian
Rock Python (Rock Python (Python molurus molurusPython molurus molurus), Red Jungle Fowl), Red Jungle Fowl
(Gallas gallas murghi)(Gallas gallas murghi), , Nilgai (, , Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus)Boselaphus tragocamelus),,
Barking deer deerBarking deer deer (Muntiacus muntjak)(Muntiacus muntjak), Indian peacock, Indian peacock (Pavo(Pavo
indicus)indicus) etc.etc.

9. Location Map of the study area with Study sitesLocation Map of the study area with Study sites

10.  The study carried out from April, 2009 to September,
2009 in DVNP, AJK.
 The study area divided into four localities (Deva, Vatala,
Chumb and Barmala) on topographic basis.
Visual Encounter Survey of dens and Direct
Sighting Method (Crump & Scott, 1994)
 Transect walks were made to assess the distribution
and population status of the animal in the selected
localities.
 To assess the population status of the Indian rock
python in the study area, Visual Encounter Survey,
dens survey and Direct Sighting Method were used.
Methodology

11. Continued…..Continued…..
 Transect area was calculated by multiplyingTransect area was calculated by multiplying
length of transect by 0.4 km (possible visibilitylength of transect by 0.4 km (possible visibility
area along the both sides of transect).area along the both sides of transect).
 Population density/kmPopulation density/km22
= Number of estimated= Number of estimated
individuals in all active dens /Total areaindividuals in all active dens /Total area
surveyed (kmsurveyed (km22
))
 Human-python conflict in the area assessed andHuman-python conflict in the area assessed and
evaluated by questionnaireevaluated by questionnaire..

12. Habitat AssessmentHabitat Assessment
 Dominant plant species (herbs, shrubs andDominant plant species (herbs, shrubs and
trees) were generally assessed along eachtrees) were generally assessed along each
transecttransect
 Dominants plant species were collected and gotDominants plant species were collected and got
identified from Botany Department of AJKidentified from Botany Department of AJK
UniversityUniversity

Topographic aspects were notedTopographic aspects were noted..

13. ResultsResults
Distribution
•Indian rock python distributed over some 2993 ha
area in all four localities i.e.
• Vatala (11 different sub-localities)
• Chumb (6 different sub-localities)
• Barmala (4 different sub-localities)
• Deva (2 different sub-localities)

14. Satellite image based map showing the distribution of Indian rock pythonSatellite image based map showing the distribution of Indian rock python
on the basis of active dens in Deva Vatalaon the basis of active dens in Deva Vatala National ParkNational Park during 2009.during 2009.

15. Population density of Indian rock python during 2009 in
the study area
Zone Elevation
range(m)
Area
surveyed
during
walk
(km2
)
No. of
active den
(observed/
reported)
Number of
active den
with fresh
direct
evidence
Estimated
adult
population
Population
density
Vatala 309-536 3.2 33 7 7 2.18
Chumb 267-313 2.4 28 9 9 3.75
Barmala 404-511 1.6 7 4 4 2.5
Deva 339-415 1.6 12 7 7 4.37
Total estimated adult population = 27

16. Past sighting record of Indian rock python in DevaPast sighting record of Indian rock python in Deva
Vatala National ParkVatala National Park
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Year
Numberofsighting
Vatala
Chumb
Barmala
Deva
During year 2005(n=2), 2006 (n=9), while in 2007 (n= 8) Similarly, 2008 (n=29)
and 2009(n=28) sightings have been reported at different places.
The rate of sighting was higher in Chumb 32% (n=24) than the Vatala 28%
(n=21), Barmala 22% (n=17) and Deva 18% (n=14) during 2005-2009

17. Sighting of Indian rock python during different monthsSighting of Indian rock python during different months
of years 2005-2009 in study areaof years 2005-2009 in study area
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
JanuaryFebruaryM
arch
April
M
ay
June
JulyAugust
Septem
berOctober
Novem
ber
Decem
ber
Month
Numberofsighting
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
Sighting record was high in the months of July (n=20, 26%) and August (n=12,
15%) , as Indian rock python hibernates in the winter, when mating takes place
and during March to June eggs remain inside the den, Breen and John (1974)

18. Sighting of Indian rock python in different time during theSighting of Indian rock python in different time during the
years 2005-2009 in study areayears 2005-2009 in study area
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
Morning Daytime Evening Night
Time of sighting
Numberofsighting
Y2005
Y2006
Y2007
Y2008
Y2009
Sighting record during Daytime 45% (n=34), morning 35% (n=27), evening
13% (n=10) and night time 7% (n=5) during Y2005 to Y2009 in DVNP
reported by local community
Khan (2006) has also reported these snakes as nocturnal with basking and
sleeping behavior in sun during day time.

19. Active dens Active Dens near water
source (m)
Active dens away from
water
80 0-100 100-500 500-800 21
13 38 8
Distance of the active dens from the water source
Python molurus molurus depend on a permanent source of water
Mehrtens (1987)

20. Human-python conflictsHuman-python conflicts
 The occupation of the people in theseThe occupation of the people in these
study sites varied, 68% shepherds, 24%study sites varied, 68% shepherds, 24%
farmers, 6% shopkeepers, 1% drivers andfarmers, 6% shopkeepers, 1% drivers and
1% laborers.1% laborers.
 Major depending source of economy isMajor depending source of economy is
livestock. The average number of livestocklivestock. The average number of livestock
per family was 10 to 20per family was 10 to 20
 These snakes have often been killed forThese snakes have often been killed for
their fine skin.their fine skin.

21. Continue…..Continue…..
The maximum number of livestock
was depredated in Barmala (31%,
n=23) followed by Chumb (28%,
n=21), Vatala (23%, n=17) and Deva
(18%, n=13) during the year 2005 to
September, 2009.

22. Satellite image based map showing the livestock depredation points bySatellite image based map showing the livestock depredation points by
Indian rock python during 2005-09 in Deva Vatala National Park.Indian rock python during 2005-09 in Deva Vatala National Park.

23. Livestock depredation during 2005-2009
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Year of depredation
Numberoflivestock
depredated
Vatala
Chumb
Barmala
Deva
maximum number of livestock was depredated in Barmala (31%, n=23)
followed by Chumb (28%, n=21), Vatala (23%, n=17) and Deva (18%, n=13)
during the year 2005 to September, 2009 as reported by the local community

24. Types of livestock killed by Indian rock python during
2005-2009
 killing rate of goats was very high (84%, n=62) followed by the poultry (5%,
n=4), sheep (4%, n=3), cows (4%, n=3) and buffalo (3%, n=2) during the
period 2005 to September, 2009 in Deva Vatala National Park
 Jerry (1998) has reported that Indian rock python feed on mammals, birds
and reptiles indiscriminately, but seem to prefer mammals.

25. Month wise Livestock depredation during 2005-2009
 Live stock depredation reported in July (22%, n=16), August (19%, n=14),
September (15%, n=11), March (11%, n=8), May (7%, n=5), October (7%,
n=5), February (5%, n=4), April (4%, n=3), June (4%, n=3), January (4%,
n=3) and November (3%, n=2)
 Khan (2006) has also reported that Indian rock python hibernates in winter,
when mating takes place while from March to June eggs are laid in some
secure place

26. Time of livestock Predation by Indian rock python
during 2005-2009
During the study, it was reported by the local community that the maximum
number of livestock killing were at day time (54%, n=40), followed by the
morning (20%, n=15), evening (19%, n=14) and night (7%, n=5) in the study
sites during the period 2005 to September, 2009

27. Local community perception abut Indian Rock Python in
study area during the year 2009

28. Habitat Utilization by Indian Rock PythoHabitat Utilization by Indian Rock Pythonn
 In Deva Vatala National Park, IndianIn Deva Vatala National Park, Indian
rock python usually preferred therock python usually preferred the
subtropical area comprising the mostsubtropical area comprising the most
dominant vegetation including herbsdominant vegetation including herbs
((Saccharum spontaneumSaccharum spontaneum), shrubs), shrubs
(Lantana camara,(Lantana camara, Dedonia viscosa,Dedonia viscosa,
Carisa opeca, Ziziphus jujuba)Carisa opeca, Ziziphus jujuba) andand
treestrees (Mangifera indica,(Mangifera indica, DalbergiaDalbergia
sissosisso andand Acacia nilotica)Acacia nilotica)..

29. ConclusionsConclusions
 The Indian rock python were randomly distributed inThe Indian rock python were randomly distributed in
Deva Vatala National Park including all study sitesDeva Vatala National Park including all study sites
between 267-536m elevation ranges (above seabetween 267-536m elevation ranges (above sea
level)level)
 76 sightings were reported in DVNP during 2005-76 sightings were reported in DVNP during 2005-
20092009
 Population density was estimated as 3.06/ kmPopulation density was estimated as 3.06/ km22
..
 Livestock depredation by the python increasedLivestock depredation by the python increased
gradually from 2005 to 2009.gradually from 2005 to 2009.

30. Continue…Continue…
 A total of 74 livestock killings were reportedA total of 74 livestock killings were reported
among which goats were killed in majorityamong which goats were killed in majority
(84%)(84%)
 Due to the livestock depredation, most ofDue to the livestock depredation, most of
the people (85%) were against the Indianthe people (85%) were against the Indian
rock python and in such human-pythonrock python and in such human-python
conflicts about 92% pythons were killed byconflicts about 92% pythons were killed by
the communitythe community

31. RecommendationsRecommendations
 Park Management must be initiated to protectPark Management must be initiated to protect
the wildlife their natural habitat which willthe wildlife their natural habitat which will
increases the natural prey population for Indianincreases the natural prey population for Indian
rock python, minimizing the livestockrock python, minimizing the livestock
depredation and human-python conflictdepredation and human-python conflict
 Implement and monitor the strong rules andImplement and monitor the strong rules and
regulations to stop the Indian rock python illegalregulations to stop the Indian rock python illegal
trading by the local community to save thetrading by the local community to save the
Indian rock python population in the Deva VatalaIndian rock python population in the Deva Vatala
National Park.National Park.

32. RecommendationsRecommendations
 As the Indian rock python is anAs the Indian rock python is an
endangered species, therefore, detailedendangered species, therefore, detailed
research studies, awareness programsresearch studies, awareness programs
and conservation projects should beand conservation projects should be
launched both by the public and privatelaunched both by the public and private
sectors for the conservation andsectors for the conservation and
management.management.
 Human interference should be strictlyHuman interference should be strictly
banned at least in the core zone of thebanned at least in the core zone of the
National ParkNational Park
 Indian rock python illegal trade shouldIndian rock python illegal trade should

33. Our Future Plan…..Our Future Plan…..
1.1. To explore Indian Rock Python distribution andTo explore Indian Rock Python distribution and
status in other areas of AJ&Kstatus in other areas of AJ&K
2.2. 2.2. Work on minimizing the human-pythonWork on minimizing the human-python
conflicts and community awarenessconflicts and community awareness
3.3. 3.3. To work on the Dens shape and topographyTo work on the Dens shape and topography
4.4. 4.4. To propose the conservation action plan forTo propose the conservation action plan for
the Indian Rock Python population in AJ&K.the Indian Rock Python population in AJ&K.

34. Confirmation of species by Prof. Dr.Confirmation of species by Prof. Dr.
M. Sharif KhanM. Sharif Khan

35. Saturated Indian rock python resting after engulfing at
Chumb locality during study period 2009

36. Measuring GPS location of active den of Indian rock
python at chumb locality

37. Russell Viper
Threats faced by Wildlife researcher during field

38. Overview of the habitat used by Indian rock python

39. An inactive den of Indian rock python

40. An active den of Indian rock python

41. Bone of depredated animal found outside the Indian Rock Python
den at vatala locality

42. Track sign of Indian Rock
Python at chumb locality
Track used by the Indian
Rock Python at vatala
locality

43. Indian rock python at Deva locality

44. Den of Indian rock python closed by local people at
Burmala

45. Water source near to den of Indian Rock Python at
Chumb locality