OCCURRENCE OF RUSSELL'S CHAIN VIPER DABOIA RUSSELII RUSSELII IN DEVA VATALA NATIONAL PARK, AZAD JAMMU AND KASHMIR.

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]