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The aim of the study was to document the new distribution record and challenges to the conservation of Indian rock python (Python molurus molurus) in and around District Mirpur and Bhimer, Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The data on sighting records, distribution, and threats to Indian rock python were collected through a consecutive sampling method using questionnaire during July 2014 to October 2015. During the recent study, a total of 30 new distribution locations were recorded for Indian rock python in and around Deva Vatala National Park. Major threats faced by Indian rock python in and around the park were mainly fear of local communities (42.3%) followed by roadside killings (16.2%), habitat degradation (15.4%), illegal trade for their fine skin (14.6%), and lack of awareness (11.5%). Majority of local people (41%) believed that they see Indian rock python less frequently as compared to past whereas, (35%) believe that its sighting has been increased during past few years while (24%) had no idea about increase or decrease of sightings. Maximum adult male (66%) sightings were reported by locals in the open area (68.75 %), and during the month of August (34.37 %). Shepherds were major group responsible for causing threats to Indian rock python (43.8%) followed by hunters (20.8%), farmers (16.2%), drivers (10.8%), and shopkeepers (8.5%). According to our findings (68%), people did not like Indian rock python whereas, (21%) people liked Indian rock python, while a little proportion of people (11%) neither like or dislike it. Majority of people (50%) thought that Indian pythons should not be conserved whereas, (42.3%) believed that it should be conserved but there should be compensation scheme to cover for livestock losses, while (7.7%) did not supported either conservation or exploitation. The results of this study will be helpful in national action planning as well as global action planning for the conservation of Indian rock python. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Russell's chain viper is being reported for the first time from Deva Vatala National Park. Azacl Jammu and Kashmir (AJ&K) during surveys conducted from August 2011 to March 2012. The study area falls under dry sub-tropical region. The species is distributed in all the four selected sites of National Park over an area of about 7.2 km2. Distribution was determined through direct observations as also used indirect evidences (crawling signs, molted skin, burrow surveys etc.) in its habitat using sign survey. Occurrence and terrain examined which revealed that Vipers' prefers gradual slopes (70%). as compared to steep slopes (12%) and flat areas (18%). The data on morphometric measurements were also recorded from two collected live specimens of Russell's chain viper along with photographs. There is a ruthless killing of this snake by local people mainly out of fear (39%) which is the major threat to its population as compared to others i.e., illegal trade for their fine skin (10%), venom collection for medicinal purposes (5%). roadside killings (11%). habitat degradation including encroachment, developments and segmentation (22%) and lack of awareness (13%). The present study during 2011-2012 not only confirms the presence of Russell's chain viper presence in Deva Vatala National Park but also highlighted the threats to study species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The threat posed by leopards to livestock and hitman lives makes their coexistence difficult. Mitigation measure should he based on an unequivocal understanding of the conflict patterns. Household surveys were conducted with an intention to quantify livestock losses and its effects on leopard conservation in the Pir Lasoora National Park. The questionnaire survey revealed a total of 72 livestock killed, equated to an annual loss o f4324.50 US$. Among the domestic animals, goats were killed significantly (p<0.05) in higher number. Young and female stocks were more vulnerable to leopard attacks. Forests were the preferred killing sites, and night time killing was more frequent than during other periods of the day. Seasonal killing and attacks were also observed, both attacks and killing in June showed significant (p<(). 05) difference from other months of year. Results revealed the massive economic loss, which inevitably resulted in retaliation against 17 leopards since 2000 in the region. Habitat degradation and depletion of natural prey are more striking factors driving leopard populations to local extinction form the study area. Our results iterate the need of an awareness program, the implementation of collaborative insurance schemes, and the involvement of the local community in order to modify the negative perception towards the conservation of the leopard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Population of Indian Rock Python (Python molurus molurus) was studied in Deva Vatala National Park, by visual encounter survey method and taking into account past sighting recorded by interviewing the local community, from April to September 2009. The python was randomly distributed in all localities of the study area with an overall population density of 3.06/km². Most sightings records were in July (26%) and August (15%), in day time, mostly near water sources in the forest areas. Python appears to prefer sub-tropical part of the park. A total of 91 python attacks were reported resulting in 74 livestock deaths and 17 injured. Herding practices of local cattle have increased habitat disturbance and declined the natural prey species of python which in turn has increased livestock losses, causing negative perception for python in local community. Habitat destruction due to the forest cutting, overgrazing, fodder and fuel wood collection and illegal python trade are found to be the major threats to this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]