Nosheen Khawaja
MUZAFFARABAD: In a heartening display of community and conservation efforts, the Wildlife Department of Pakistan-Administered Kashmir (PAK) successfully rescued a pair of near-threatened Indian Rock Pythons from the Southern district of Kotli.
Naeem Iftikhar Dar, Director of the Wildlife Department and Fisheries, stated that members of the local community discovered Indian Rock Pythons near the Poonch River in Poonch River National Park. They promptly handed over the captured pythons to the wildlife department staff who relocated them to a habitat away from human habitation.
Usually whitish or yellowish in color with the blotched patterns varying from tan to dark brown shade, the Indian Rock Python is a large, nonvenomous python species. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia and is also known as black-tailed python or Asian rock python.
Rescue Operation
The rescue operation unfolded amidst the backdrop of Wildlife Day celebrations at the Mahashir Fish Hatchery, where reports surfaced about the presence of the pythons near the populous town of Gulpur. Swift action from wildlife staff and the support of the local community ensured the safe retrieval of the serpentine visitors.
“We are committed to protecting the rich biodiversity of our region,” remarked Dar. “The Indian Rock Python, while non-venomous to humans, is a vital component of our ecosystem. It is imperative that we continue to raise awareness about the importance of coexisting with and preserving our wildlife.” The rescued Indian Rock Pythons slithered into the embrace of their natural habitat, embodying the resilience of wildlife in the face of adversity.
The successful rescue mission stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Wildlife Department and the community to protect and preserve the diverse fauna of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, remarked Naeem Iftikhar Dar, Director of the Wildlife Department and Fisheries.
According to Dar, in PAK the presence of the species in three southern districts – Mirpur, Kotli, and Bhimber – is significant, yet an exact number of Python is lacking due to the absence of comprehensive studies. However, a groundbreaking research study published in the Pakistan Journal of Zoology in 2012 provided crucial insights into the status and conservation requirements of the Indian Rock Python (Python molurus molurus) in Deva Vatala National Park, located in Bhimber, Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
Community members rescuing Indian Rock Pythons in Kotli, Mirpur, PAK. Photos/Wildlife Department, PAKThreatened species
Led by a team of researchers from esteemed academic and governmental institutions, including the Department of Zoology at the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, in Muzaffarabad, and the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, PAK, the study emphasized the urgent need for proactive conservation measures to safeguard this iconic species. Spearheaded by Umer Hafeez Goursi, Muhammad Siddique Awan, Riaz Aziz Minhas, Usman Ali, Muhammad Kabir, and Naeem Iftikhar Dar, the collaborative effort shed light on the population dynamics, habitat preferences, and threats faced by the Indian Rock Python.
Through visual encounter surveys and community interviews conducted from April to September 2009, researchers documented the python’s presence across various habitats within the park. They found that Indian Rock Pythons were distributed randomly throughout Deva Vatala National Park, with an overall population density of 3.06/km², with sightings most frequent in July, mainly near water sources in forest areas.
Additionally, a total of 91 python attacks on livestock were reported between 2005 and 2009, resulting in 74 livestock deaths and 17 injuries, with goats being the primary targets (84%) of these attacks. Pythons were sighted at 76 different locations from 2005 to 2009, with peak sightings in 2008 (29 sightings) and 2009 (28 sightings).
“Habitat destruction due to forest cutting, overgrazing, fodder and fuelwood collection, and illegal python trade posed significant threats to the species’ survival,” the study said.
The study mentioned that shepherds and locals killed 92% of the attacking pythons, while 7% were captured, and 1% escaped. In 2009, Deva Vatala National Park housed an estimated 27 pythons, with an overall population density of 3.06/km². The study underscored the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect the Indian Rock Python in Deva Vatala National Park, particularly in light of human-python conflicts and habitat destruction.
Population Decline and Conservation Efforts
According to the IUCN assessment conducted on September 5, 2019, the Indian Rock Python (Python molurus) holds the Red List Category & Criteria of Near Threatened. Published in 2021, the assessment justifies this categorization, citing a significant population decline, estimated to be close to 30% over the last ten years.
This decline is attributed to over-exploitation, habitat destruction, and degradation, as well as general apathy towards conservation efforts. The python’s decreasing trend, as reported by the IUCN, is alarming.
Community members handing over Indian Rock Pythons to the Wildlife Department officials. Photos/Wildlife Department, PAKGeographic Range and Population
According to the IUCN, the geographic range of Python molurus extends widely across Sri Lanka and India. Subpopulations are observed in northeastern Pakistan and scattered regions of Nepal, along with the India-Bangladesh border. Notably, the species is absent in Bhutan, and populations in southeastern Pakistan are presumed to have been extirpated. Elevations range from 10 to 2,000 meters above sea level.
This species, widely distributed across numerous localities throughout much of India, has faced a significant decline. Illegal trade for skin, pet trade, habitat deterioration, and overall apathy have contributed to this decline. The current population trend is alarming, with numbers steadily decreasing.
According to the IUCN, Python molurus demonstrates specific Habitat and Ecology. The species is predominantly found in forested areas, including mangroves, semi-arid forests, grasslands, marshes, streams, and rivers. It also inhabits wet rocky areas near streams and pools, large rotting logs, burrows, caves, crevices, and old structures.
Known for its adept climbing and swimming abilities, Python molurus exhibits a nocturnal behavior pattern. Its diet ranges from small to large mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, with a preference for mammals. Breeding typically occurs between December to February, followed by egg-laying.
Community members handing over Indian Rock Pythons to the Wildlife Department officials. Photos/Wildlife Department, PAKUse and Trade
According to the IUCN, in some parts of India, Python molurus is used for local consumption (meat). It is in high demand for its skin, which is used in the leather industry. Fat deposits of this snake are used in the pharmaceutical industry, and bones are used for local superstitions. It is smuggled, locally and at the national level, extensively for the pet trade. It is also collected for Zoological gardens and as museum exhibits. It is often seen with snake charmers.
According to the IUCN, although the collection of snakes is legally banned in India, this activity still exists. This species is under threat due to local as well as international markets for the illegal demand in the leather industry. Scores of Indian Rock Pythons are collected and smuggled for the pet trade.
It is eaten as subsistence food. It is killed when preying on livestock (chickens and goats). It is also under threat due to habitat degradation and habitat loss due to anthropogenic activities. It is threatened in dry deciduous areas by rampant forest fires.
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