Reptiles of pakistan

dedicated to zoologists

1. Group # 08 Presentation topic: Reptiles of Pakistan Presenter #01 Israr Ahmad Presenter #02 Javid Iqbal Presenter #03 Kamran Ullah Presenter #04 Khoshbo

2. Presenter #01 Israr Ahmad

3. Reptiles of Pakistan   Over 195 species of reptiles are known in Pakistan. Of these, 13 species are believed to be endemic. As with other groups, these are a blend of Palaearctic , Indo-Malayan and Ethiopian forms.

4. Following are the well known Reptiles of Pakistan Crocodiles ( Crocodile and Gharials ) Snakes ( Venomous and Non Venomous ) Turtels ( Sea and Fresh Water ) Lizards ( moniter and Small )

5. Crocodilians of Pakistan Crocodilians ( crocodiles, alligators , caimans, and gharials ), are prominent and widespread occupants of tropical and subtropical aquatic habitats.

6. There are 23 living crocodilian species in the world represented by three families, ALLIGATORIDAE , CROCODYLIDAE and GAVIALIDAE . In Pakistan two families are represented by two species of Crocodilians.

7. Family : CROCODYLIDAE (Crocodiles)   This Family is represented in Pakistan by a single specie of crocodilian The Mugger, belonging to the Genus  Crocodylus : But ! The mugger (marsh crocodile) is in danger partially due to over hunting. The species is now nearly extinct and only occur in small numbers in Sindh and a few areas in Balochistan . * Mugger   or Marsh Crocodile   ( Crocodylus palustris )

8. General Characteristics The mugger crocodile has a very broad snout , which is what primarily gives them the look of an American alligator . Their head is fairly flattened on the top, and the eyes, ears and nostrils are on the same surface. This permits the Mugger crocodile to both see and hear, as well as to smell while they are nearly all the way under the water.

9. Habitat, Distribution and Status: Muggers are principally restricted to the Indian subcontinent where they may be found in a number of freshwater habitat types including rivers, lakes and marshes. In India and Sri Lanka, mugger crocodiles have adapted well to reservoirs, irrigation canals and man made ponds, and in some areas may even be found in coastal saltwater lagoons (Whitaker 1987, Whitaker and Whitaker 1989).

10. In some areas of northern India and Nepal, mugger populations are sympatric with gharial , but the two species tend to be segregated by habitat. Where found together with gharial , muggers tend to bask in midstream on rocks or muddy banks ( Groombridge 1982). This species, like a number of other crocodilians, is known to dig burrows.

11. Conservation projects in Pakistan Establishment of a conservation / management program in Pakistan:  Recent reports suggest that mugger crocodile populations in Pakistan remain viable after being severely depleted by commercial hunting . However, no formal surveys have been conducted, and in some parts of the country continued killing has been reported.

12.  Interest has been expressed in initiating a restocking program similar to the one in India . However, surveys of population status and a biological research program are a prerequisite to establishing a management program.

13. Family : GAVIALIDAE ( Gharial )   This Family is represented in Pakistan by a single species of crocodilian Indian Gharial , belonging to the Genus  Gavialis : The gharial is in a precarious situation, or maybe already extinct and has only been seen in small numbers between the Sukkur and Guddu barrages. Indian Gharial  or Gavial   ( Gavialis gangeticus )

14. General characteristics:   The gharial is the most long-snouted and together with the saltwater crocodile the largest of the living crocodilians (males up to 67m). Placed in a family by itself, the Gavialidae , the gharial has long been separated from the rest of the crocodilian stock ( Densmore 1983).

15. Habitat, Distribution and Status : The gharial is considered to be one of the most critically threatened of all crocodilians, becoming alarmingly close to extinction in the 1970s. Gharial are extremely rare in both India and Nepal, virtually extirpated in Pakistan, Bhutan and Bangladesh, and probably extinct in Myanmar.

16.   Gharial are restricted to the northern part of the Indian subcontinent where they were found in four river systems: the Indus (Pakistan), the Ganges (India and Nepal), the Mahanadi (India) and the Brahmaputra (Bangladesh, India and Bhutan). Reports of gharial remaining in the Sind region of Pakistan are persistent (Ahmad 1990, Chaudhry 1993), but there appears to be a very small number, possibly only one or two individuals. The species is virtually extinct in Pakistan. The Pakistan government is currently planning a restocking effort with assistance from Indian institutions.

17. Conservation projects in Pakistan Survey of status and distribution in Pakistan:  The government of Pakistan is interested in implementing a restocking program similar to the ones in Nepal and India. However , apart from one recent sighting nothing is known about the status of the gharial . Surveys of the Indus River and Nara Canal are needed. Based on the results of this survey, action should be taken to set aside land for crocodile sanctuaries as a first step towards restocking.

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19. Turtles These magnificent creatures come in all shapes and sizes and live in a number of different environments. They all belong to a group of reptiles called  Testudines . Turtles belong to one of the oldest reptile groups in the world – beating snakes, crocodiles and alligators !  These creatures date back to the time of the dinosaurs, over 200 million years ago ! In Pakistan there are Sea Turtels and Fresh water turtels .

20. Presenter #02 Javid Iqbal

21. Sea Turtles of Pakistan Sea Turtles are a group of shelled reptiles and belong to the order Testudines or Chelonia . Also included within this order are the terrapins and tortoises.

22. Within the Chelonia there are 13 families. The eight species of modern Sea Turtles are found within two of these, the Dermnochelyidae and the Cheloniidae . The first family has only one Sea Turtle, the Leatherback.

23. The other seven species of Sea Turtle are found in the other family - the Cheloniidae .  Sea Turtles are large animals, the Leatherback attaining a length of 2m and a weight of over 500 kg. (one caught off Wales in 1991 weighed 995 kg

24. In Pakistan, Family Dermnochelyidae is represented by a single species of turtle, the Leatherback Sea Turtle.

25. Family : CHELONIIDAE (Marine Turtles)   This Family is represented in Pakistan by four species of marine turtles: Green Sea Turtle, Olive Ridley Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle and the Lagger Headed Turtle. Only 2 species are mentioned here: Green Sea Turtle  ( Chelonia mydas japonica) Olive Ridley Turtle  ( Lepidochelys olivacea olivacea )  

26. Green Sea Turtle ( Chelonia mydas japonica ) General characteristics:  The Green Turtle is the largest of the hard-shelled sea turtles (the Leatherback Dermochelys can grow much larger) although size, weight, and carapace shape can vary markedly between different populations. Average nesting female carapace length 80 to 110cm and weighs 110 to 185kg.

27. Habitat, Distribution and Status : The beaches of Pakistan are some of the most important nesting grounds for the Green Turtles. Each year thousands of female Green Turtles come to the beaches of Hawksbay and Sandspit off the coast of Karachi to lay their eggs. The Sind Wildlife Department in collaboration with WWF-Pakistan is working on a project for safe release of turtle hatchling to the Arabian sea since 1980's. Green Turtle nests are laid throughout the year, with most nests occurring between July and December. The egg are carefully kept in closed enclosers and released after the hatchlings are hatched. 

28. Fresh Water Turtels of Pakistan Freshwater turtles of Pakistan are found in the entire Indus River system including its tributaries, irrigation canals, ponds and water reservoirs. Pakistan has eight species of freshwater turtles which dominate aquatic habitats. Freshwater turtles play a significant role in aquatic ecosystem being scavengers.

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30. Presenter #03 Kamran Ullah

31. Lizards Lizards are one of the most interesting and diverse species on the planet. The largest species of lizard in the world can grow up to around ten feet; this is the Komodo dragon . The vast majority of lizard species are not venomous, however there are two species that are thought to have a toxic venom; these are the Mexican bearded lizard and the Gila monster . There are over 5,500 different lizard species recognised worldwide .

32.   Lizards of Pakistan Family : VARIANIDAE (Monitor Lizards) Monitors are among the oldest living lizards. They are characterized by a long, forked, snakelike tongue, and are able to engulf and swallow large prey whole. They are sleek, fast runners with tapered heads, long necks, strong legs, and long, powerful tails. Monitors feed on insects, birds, reptiles and their eggs, small mammals, and carrion.   The monitor lizard is an inhabitant of agricultural as well as desert Ecozones in Pakistan. Monitors are quiet common in the province of Sind and Baluchistan.

33. Yellow Monitor ( Varanus flavescens ) Local Name: Goa(Urdu) Family: VARIANIDAE Genus: Varanus Status: Rare and restricted Warning: This lizard inflicts a powerful bite with its long, strong and sharp teeth  

34. General characteristics:  The Yellow Monitor has a snout-vent length 500-515 mm, tail 575-600 mm.   The dorsum reddish brown, body and tail barred with alternating dark-edged reddish brown and dirty yellow bars, ventrum light yellow.

35. Habitat, Distribution and Status : The yellow monitor is a poorly known species and is considered to be one of the most endangered monitor lizards. It is found only in Bangladesh, Nepal, India and Pakistan (Minton 1966; Smith 1932; Swan & Leviton 1962; Auffenberg et al 1989; Sarker 1987).

36. It is a lizard of seasonally flooded forests, and marshy areas in flood plains of the Indus River and its tributaries. It extends into tilled fields along water courses with mesic habitat, and usually burrows in the roots of trees and other vegetation.  This varanid has a restricted distribution range. It has been reported from Salt Range and District  Sialkot in northern Punjab , and the Sindh Delta in Pakistan . It is known to extend to the western Bengal . 

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38. Presenter #04 Khoshbo

39. Snakes Snakes evolved from a four-legged reptilian ancestor—most likely a small, burrowing, land-bound lizard—about 100 million years ago. Some snakes, such as pythons and boas, still have traces of back legs. Snakes live on everywhere on Earth except Ireland, Iceland, New Zealand, and the North and South Poles. Approximately 725 species of venomous snakes present worldwide, 250 can kill a human with one bite. Some animals, such as the Mongoose, are immune to snake venom. The decapitated head of a dead snake can still bite, even hours after death. These types of bites usually contain huge amounts of venom.

40. Pakistan Has snakes divided on the Basis of their habitat like, Terrestrial Snakes and Sea snakes.

41. Venomous Terrestrial Snakes of Pakistan: Common Krait: Local Name : Sung Choor ( Urdu ) Family: ELAPIDAE Genus: Bungarus Status: Common Warning: This snake is deadly poisonous. The venom is highly toxic. It bites rarely, but in one study 77 percent of victims died. Treatment should be given to the victim immediately if bitten

42. General characteristics:  The common Krait ( Bungarus caeruleus ) is a medium-sized snake, head barely distinguishable from neck; loreal scale absent; small dark eyes, round pupil, barely visible in life.  Dorsum jet black to deep blue, which on preservation becomes dark : bluish luster. A series of 3—9 light vertebral spots followed by 38—56 paired narrow transverse bands. Supralabials and body ventrum white. Snout-vent length 1110-1125 mm, tail 145-157 mm.

43. The Sindhi Krait ( Bungarus sindanus ) has 17 midbody scale rows; ventrals 220-237, subcaudals 49-52. The dorsum is jet black, first light stripe appears at the level of 11 to 15th ventral. Snout-vent length 1029-1034 mm, tail 135-137 mm.

44. Habitat and Distribution: The Kraits in Pakistan are found from coastal lowlands north and eastward to Waziristan and Quetta regions. Also found near southwestern Pakistan coast not far from Iran-Pakistan border. This snake is found in dry open plains, in termite mounds, in burrows of small rodents, beneath debris, at elevations as high as 1,700 meters. It needs ample water supply, so may be found in moist and wet areas such as wells or tanks containing water. Often found near or in human habitation.

45. Indian Python(Python Molurus ) Local name:   Azdaha   (Urdu) Description and Biology: The Indian python is one of the world's largest snakes, sometimes reaching lengths of more than 20 feet. Pythons prey on birds and other reptiles, but they prefer small mammals, such as rats. 

46. In many parts of their remaining natural range, pythons keep rodent populations in check -- a valuable ecological role that is generally unappreciated by local human inhabitants. Pythons -- like snakes everywhere -- tend to be regarded as dangerous and are often killed on sight. The Indian Python does not wriggle like other snakes, but moves by wave-like movements of its ribs. It is not poisonous and kills its prey by constriction with its body coils, before swallowing its victim head first. It is an good swimmer as well

47. Habitat and Distribution: The Indian pyhton is mainly a jungle dweller, but in Pakistan it is found in vegetation near rivers and lakes. The major threat to the Indian python is a familiar one: loss of habitat to expanding human populations. Their favorite habitat was scrub land, considered waste land by local people. But with the introduction of modern farming methods in such areas are being converted for agricultural use. Now it is only found in Southern Sind, where its numbers are diminishing. Only a few pythons have been reported in district Sanghar in Sindh . It is also hunted indiscriminately for its precious skin.

48. Indian Cobra ( Naja naja naja ) Local Name: Sheesh Nag, Kala Nag ( Urdu ) Family: ELAPIDAE Genus: Naja Status: Common Warning: This snake is deadly poisonous. The venom is highly toxic. Snake bite symptoms begin approximately 8 minutes after bite.  Treatment should be given to the victim immediately if bitten.

49. General characteristics :  The Indian or Spectacled cobra ( N.n.naja ) is a medium-sized, heavy snake ; head not distinct from neck which is dilatable in life into a broad hood ; loreal scale absent; single fang on each side, followed by 1—3 small solid teeth; scales smooth shiny, in 21—23 at midbody ; ventrals 182—196, subcaudals 53—67. Single pair of prefrontals , absence of loreal scale and smooth dorsals .

50. Habitat, Distribution and Status: Cobra frequents different habitats: grasslands , vegetation along tilled fields, along water courses, semidesert forests, barns, ruins with grassy growths and around villages. It is plentiful in paddy growing areas, where it is attracted bv mice and poultry into living houses. It climbs into the branches of trees in search of nesting birds . Often it become resident in rat holes after consuming its occupant.

51. Venomous Sea Snakes: There are around 55 species of sea snakes which are found in the seas of the world but in the coastal waters of Pakistan, only 14 species have so far been recorded. Sea snakes include the group of poisonous snakes which have fangs that are fixed in front of the upper jaw. This type of fang is called  Proteroglyphous . On land, poisonous snakes. Cobra and Krait, have such fangs. Another type of fang called  Solenoglyphous  does not exist in sea snakes as it is characteristic of Vipers.

52. Sea snakes produce venom from a poison gland that acts on the victim's nervous system. Its poison contains neurotoxin operating on the nerve cells of the victim. Neurotoxin paralyses the respiratory system, ultimately causing death. The phenomenon is the same as in the case of Cobra and Krait poisoning. However , the poison of a sea snake is severer than that of a Cobra or a Krait.

53. The following characteristics distinguish the sea snakes from the land snakes : 1. Laterally compressed fin-like tail . 2. Body is flattened side to side, accompanied by loss of ventral plates.

54. Identification:   Identification of living sea snakes in the water is usually based on their colour pattern, habitat, and behaviour . This requires practice and experience. In the laboratory, snakes are identified according to the number and characteristics of the scales on their head, body, belly and tail. 

55.   Economic importance:   1) The skin of sea snakes is very much valued in Hong Kong and Singapore          because of its use in bags, shoes and purses etc . 2) They are sometimes used for human consumption. Sea snakes are sold in      the fish market at Hai -ho" ( Haiman ), where they are chopped up to make      sausages and are eaten by the natives of Tahiti in the South Pacific . 3) The poison extracted from sea snakes is used to prepare anti-venom in          many countries. In Pakistan, however, sea snakes are neglected.Those          caught during fishing are destroyed, killed, and thrown away.

56. Species:   Enhydrina schlstosa Beaked Sea Snake Lapemis curtus  (Shaw) Short Sea Snake Praescutata viperlna  (Schmidt) Viperine Sea Snake Microcephalophis    gracllis    gracilis   (Shaw) Common small headed sea snake Microcephalophis cantorls Cantor small-headed sea snake And so on…..

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