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International Journal of Interdisciplinary Research 2349-5480 (Print)

STATUS AND CONSERVATION OF INDIAN ROCK PYTHON

(PYTHON MOLURUS MOLURUS) AT SSBS, KEETHAM LAKE,

AGRA, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA

ABSTRACT

Popula�on of Indian Rock Python (Python molurus molurus ) was studied in Soor Sarover Bird Sanctuary, Keetham

Lake, by field survey was conducted throughout the study area for selec�on of poten�al areas of Indian rock Python

distributed where their signs where present. The Python was randomly distributed in all locali�es of study area. Most

sigh�ng records were in December (26.66 %) and October (16.66 %), in morning and a�er noon �me, mostly near water

sources in the forest area. A total number of python found in Sanctuary 17.Habitat destruc�on due to the forest cu�ng,

overgrazing, fodder and fuel wood collec�on and human- python conflict to be major threats to this species.

Key words: Python molurus molurus, Soor Sarover Bird Sanctuary, Keetham Lake, human-python conflict

INTRODUCTION

“Python, the most fascina�ng creatures of mother nature” we think snakes are the most splendid of animal, though

their alien form, so different form that of humans, is loathsome to many people. There are about 2700 species ranging

in size from 10mm to 10 meters. Pythons have long been favorites of man, either for show in parks or exploita�on. Their

great size and brilliant skin colora�ons are the main reasons.

“The python is one of the most popular snake pets in the world, as well as one of the most highly demanded sources

of meat in the Far East gourmet food trade.” These are just a few examples of why there has been a decline in their

popula�on numbers. Indian rock python (Python molurus molurus) is the largest snake species found in tropical and

sub-tropical areas of Southern Asia (ITIS, 2009), distributed in forested areas in Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Southern

Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Southern China, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Peninsula, Malaysia and Indonesia

(Mc Diarmid et. al., 1999).

P. molurus molurus is listed as Lower Risk/Near Threatened by Interna�onal Union for the Conserva�on of Nature

and Natural Resources (IUCN, 1994, 1996), enlisted in U.S. ESA (United States Endangered Species Act) as endangered

throughout its range (Coborn, 1991,De Vosjoli , 1991; Jurgen et al., 1988; Murphy and Henderson, 1997).

Mostly pythons are killed for their skin (used in fashion industry) and for flesh by locals communi�es (IUCN, 1996;

Jurgen et al., 1988), so are of high commercial value in interna�onal market, one of the main causes of alarmingly

declining natural popula�ons (Mukherjee, 1982; Tikader, 1983; Groomridge and Wright, 1982; Murthy, 1979).Pythons

range in size from 4.5 to 6 m (15 to 20 feet) in length. They are among the longest species of snake in the world. The

Re�culated Python holds the record for longest snake at 10 m (32� 9.5in). Some species exhibit ves�gial bones of the

pelvis and rear legs, which are externally apparent in the form of a pair of anal spurs on each side of the cloaca. These

spurs are larger in males than females, and are used by the male to s�mulate the female during copula�on. Some

pythons display vivid pa�erns on their scales, while others are a nondescript brown. They usually reflect appropriate

camouflage for their na�ve habitat.

Pythons are found in sub-Saharan Africa, Nepal, India, Burma, southern China, Southeast Asia and from the

Philippines southeast through Indonesia to New Guinea and Australia In the United States, an introduced popula�on of

Burmese pythons, Python molurus has existed as an invasive species in the Everglades Na�onal Park since the late

1990s.Are generally found in rainforests, but can also be found in river valleys, woodlands, scrublands, grassy marshes,

Vishwa Deepak Purohit Department of forestry, school of life sciences, DBRA University, Agra

Department of forestry, school of life sciences, DBRA University, AgraP.K. Varshney

Vol. 3 issue 04 April 201630

and semi rocky foothills, prefer areas with a lot of cover, near to water.

Many species have been hunted aggressively, which has decimated some, such as the Indian python, Python molurus.

Python listed on IUCN Red List as Lower Risk/Near Threatened, Listed in CITES Appendix I, meaning that collec�on from

the wild of Indian pythons is closely monitored – sale of individuals or skin products is only allowed in a few special

circumstances. All species of python are listed on CITES Appendix II, meaning that collec�on for the pet trade and trade

of skin products is controlled to prevent too many individuals from being taken out of the wild. Predators, adults have no

known predators besides humans .If threatened; they do not coil around and constrict but will inflate their bodies to

look as large and in�mida�ng as possible and strike at poten�al threats .Are an important part of the ecosystem

because they help control popula�ons of small mammals.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

MATERIALS:

Site Name - Point (Keetham Lake)

Province - U�ar Pradesh

District - Agra

Habitat type - Fresh water swamp

La�tude - N27°14'4” and N27° 31' 51”

Longitude - E77° 49'38” and E77° 52' 40”

Distance from Agra - About 20 km.

Soor Sarovar the name says it all .An enchan�ng place of natural beauty, where the divine and the temporal meet to

from paradise on earth. The place ignited the passions of Lord Krishna and Radha and inspired the famed poet Surdas to

compose the “Bhak� Kavya” one of the finest pieces of devo�onal poetry ever wri�en. The age old spirit of love and

romance s�ll lingers around Soor Sarovar wai�ng to be discovered. Revel in the mul�faceted wonders of Soor Sarovar as

you take a leisurely strool amidst its wooded conifines. A heaven for birds that visit this place from far and wide, Soor

Sarovar was declared a Bird sanctuary in 1991. Soor Sarover credits a list of more then 150 species of migratory and

resident birds.With in its declared boundary it covers an area of 7.97 sq km. The huge pentagonal shaped lake inside the

sanctuary is spread over approximately 300 ha and is do�ed with small ar�ficial islands. Supplemented by the river

Yamuna, the peripheral bunds of the lake were strengthened by the Bri�shers during their �mes.

Soor Sarover bird sanctuary is a good habitat for rep�les, par�cularly snakes and lizards. Around them, Rock

Python (Python molurus molurus) is a special feature of this sanctuary. Around watch tower number 2 a python zone

has been created in 1999. But it's started in 13th January, 2002. Python being a threatened species this area is used for

rehabilita�on of rescued python. More then 100 python have been released in this area. Hence the name “Python

Point”. In all around 500 python are es�mated in the sanctuary and they can easily be seen creeping and basking,

par�cularly in winter (October to mid. March). Edaphic condi�on of site:

The soils of the district are loam sandy loam ravines and wasteland. The fer�lity status of the soil is poor to very

poor. Is having sandy-to-sandy loam with soil erosion affected, average pH 5.5 to 8 with medium quality of irriga�on

water, canal tube wells irrigated. In Keetham lake soil are slightly acidic because of flora (Prosopis juliflora, Prosopis

cineraria) with a texture ranging from coarse sand to clay and the clay content decreases with the depth. The soil

moisture belongs to arid condi�on which range 10-23% in general physical proper�es of soil. In some areas the under

ground water is salt affected but in lake it good for drinking for fauna and humans also. The most important proper�es of

the soil of Agra region are high degree of salinity and water logging capacity is present.

Clima�c condi�on of site:

Agra features a semiarid climate that borders on a humid subtropical climate. The city features mild winters, hot and dry

summers and a monsoon season. However the monsoons, though substan�al in Agra, are not quite as heavy as the

monsoon in other parts of India. This is a primary factor in Agra featuring a semiarid climate as opposed to a humid

subtropical climate. Average rainfall of Agra about 500 to 750 mm in year and rela�ve humidity is 56 %. In Agra average

temperature is 19.3° c to 32.6° c in year.




Flora and Fauna:

The sanctuary has significant popula�on of important snakes ( Red sand boa, Common krait , Saw scaled viper, Black

headed royal snake, Dumerill's black headed snake, Indian rat snake, Worm snake, Banded kukri, Common wolf snake,

Checkered keel back , Common cobra, Common cat snake , Common sand boa) and Bu�erflies ( Striped �ger ,Tree

yellow, Danaid eggfly-female, Great eggfly-female, Blue pansy, Blue �ger, White orange �p, Common mormon

(male),Common mormon (female),Great eggfly-male, Plain �ger, Plains cupid, Common leopard, Common lime,

Common grass yellow, Common gull, Rounded pierrot, Small salmon arab, Common silverline) and also some great

birds(Asian koel, Ashy prina, Brown capped pygmy woodpecker, Brown headed barbe, Blue redstart, Blue tailed bee-

eater, Bar winged fly catcher, Black myna, Black drongo, Brahminy myna, Blyth's reed warbler, Clamorous reed warbler,

Crested bun�ng, Common kingfisher, Common myna, Common serpent eagle, Citrina wagtail, Coppersmith barbet,

Dull green leaf warbler, Egyp�an vulture, Grey headed canary fly catcher, Grey wagtail, Grey shrike, Hoopoe, House

sparrow, House crow, House swi�, Indian roller, Indian grey hornbill, Indian robin, Spo�ed owlet, Swallow, Tree pipit,

Tailor bird, Yellow wagtail, Li�le grebe, Indian cormorant, Great cormorant, Li�le cormorant, Darter, Grey heron, Paddy

bird, Ca�le Egret, Large egret, Middle egret, Li�le egret, Night heron, Indian reef heron, Painted stork, Open bill stork,

White necked stork, Black necked stork, Pintail, Common teal, Gadwall, Wigeon, Garganey, Comb duck, Wood

sandpiper, Jack snipe, Coot, Indian river tern, Black bellied tern, Black ibis, Avocet, Common snipe, Mallard, Common

pochard, Li�le s�nt, Saras crane, Common red shank, Common green shank, Green sand piper, Li�le ringed plover,

Common sand piper.)

The dominant trees of the sanctuary are Prosopis juliflora, Prosopis cineraria, Moringa oleifera ,Capparis decidua

,Emblica officinalis, Butea monosperma, Terminalis arjuna ,Achyranthus aspera ,Mitragyna parvifolia, Calotropis

procera ,Theve�a perviana ,Pongamia pinnata, Dalbergia sissoo, Ficus krishnae ,Azadirachta indica ,Aegle marmelos,

Lencaena leucocephala, Melia azedarach, Madhuca indica ,Ziziphus mauri�ana ,Pithecellobium dulce, Bombex ceiba.

Agra bear rescue facility is also established by up forest department with the objec�ve of eradica�ng the illegal and

brutal prac�ce of dancing bears. The kalanders-community involved in making the bears dance for their livelihood were

rehabilitated a�er they surrendered their bears to the forest department. Now that �me more than 250 bears lived in

center.

Methodology:-

All behavior assessment python will be done according given �me:

1st visit – In October

2nd visit – In December

3rd visit – In Mid. February to Mid. March

Visi�ng hrs – Early morning to noon

Visi�ng �me – 7:30 am to 1:00 pm and 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm Method of assessment-

The study area was divided into six locali�es (Near to Agra bear rescue facility, Near to canteen and park, Python point,

Watch tower No. 2, Watch tower No. 3,

and Nature trail) on topographic basis. Ini�ally, a thorough field survey was conducted throughout the study area for

selec�on of poten�al areas of Indian rock Python distributed where their signs where present.

Result and Discussion:

5.1: Size of Python popula�on-

During study maximum no. of Python occurs, which belong to 5-10 feet (14 in No.) in length, which followed by 2-5 feet

in length (03 in No.) at SSBS.

5.2: Sex's ra�o in Python popula�on –

During study maximum No. of male (11 in No.), but minimum no. had been occur, female (03 in No.) which followed by

juvenile (03 in No.).




5.3: Effect of soil temperature on Python popula�on-

During study maximum No. of Python occur, which belong to average temperature about 25°c -30°c (10 in No.) and

maximum temperature about 35°c (03 in No.), which followed by minimum temperature 20°c (04 in No.).

5.4: Effect of soil moisture on Python popula�on-

During study maximum No. of Python occur, which belong to Dry (06 in No.) and Wet (06 in No.) soil moisture, which

followed by Moist (05 in No.) soil moisture content.

5.5: Effect of soil pH on Python popula�on –

During study maximum No. of Python popula�on occur, which belong to 06-07 soil pH (16 in No.) which followed by 07-

08 soil pH (01 in No.).

5.6: Type of posture in Python popula�on-

During study I find maximum No. of Python occur, which belong coiled posi�on (12 in No.) in soil surface, which

followed by uncoiled posi�on of python in soil surface (05 in No.).

5.7: Python popula�on accurse at different �mings -

During study maximum No. of Python occur, in morning (07 in No.) and a�ernoon (06 in No.), which followed by early

morning (02 in No.) and noon (02 in No.) at watching�me.

Where, A- Adult,

J-Juvenile

*No. of Python in SSBS, Keetham lake which occur during survey period.

Summary and Conclusion:

A total popula�on of Python about 150-250 occurs at SSBS, Keetham lake. The effect of following parameters

(Temperature, soil pH, soil moisture on Python popula�on), was recorded and surveyed during the study which are as

summarized and concluded in nut-cell are as follows-




Size of Python popula�on 14 in No.(5-10 feet in length) at op�mum temperature at given pointed sites.

Sex ra�o had been indica�ng the female in minimum No. (33%) then male (67%).

The effect of temperature had been majored on Python popula�on that ambient temperature rang is from 25°c-30°c ±1

and 20°c-30°c ±1 for all type of ac�vi�es in Python popula�on. The ambient temperature range from 27°c-35°c ±1

showed an effec�ve me�ng ac�vity in Python (R.Vyas, 2002).

Soil moisture also affected on Python popula�on in general, Wet and Dry condi�on suitable for Python.

Python popula�on also affected by rang of soil pH. In general maximum No. of python popula�on occur between rang

of soil pH (slightly neutral).

During the survey I find that maximum No. of Python occur in morning and noon �me with coiled posture then other

�me of watching and body posture.

Maximum No. of Python was observed in month of December (Temperature rang 22.5° C-26.52°C±1) which followed by

October (Temperature rang 25° C – 27° C±1) and in mid February to mid March (Temperature rang 25° C -28.05° C±1 ) .

According to R.Vyas, (2002) effect of temperature on me�ng ac�vi�es was observed in September to April in Python

popula�on.

In last I can say that, very li�le informa�on available on effect of temperature, soil pH, soil moisture on Python

popula�on in cap�ve and non cap�ve condi�on, but some data are published by Acharjyo and Mishra (1976), Vyas

(1993), Urfi (1997), and Vyas (1998) have published breeding data on Python m. molurus .

Sugges�on:

During the study I find that a special task program should be developed from root to top for popula�on of Python

conserva�on. I have some sugges�on for we can safe future of Python in semi arid area at SSBS, Keetham Lake, Agra :-

(1.) It is recommended that government and NGOs should involve in conserva�on of Indian rock python in SSBS,

Keetham Lake, Agra.

(2.) Human python conflict could be overcome through be�er management programs and compensa�on schemes for

the affected community.

(3.) Currently, the protected area is not properly managed by the government. Protected area management must be

ini�ated and improved to protect the wildlife in their natural habitat. This will be increase the natural prey popula�on

for python, minimizing the livestock depreda�on and human python conflict.

(4.) Make environmentally responsible lifestyle decisions to help conserve habitat – conserve energy, reduce li�er and

pollu�on.

Conserva�on Status and Threats:

Listed on IUCN Red List as Lower Risk/Near Threatened

Listed in CITES Appendix I, meaning that collec�on from the wild of Indian pythons is closely monitored – sale of

individuals or skin products is only allowed in a few special circumstances

All species of python are listed on CITES Appendix II, meaning that collec�on for the pet trade and trade of skin

products is controlled to prevent too many individuals from being taken out of the wild

Threats:

Are commonly hunted for their skins

Are trapped and exported in large numbers for the pet trade

Are some�mes killed by humans out of fear

Are threatened by deforesta�on

Are hunted for food by some na�ve popula�ons

Consequently, snake in India have been given legal protec�on under Wildlife (Protec�on) Act, 1972.

Wildlife (Protec�on) Act, 1972




Schedule 1-

Species: Indian Rock Python, Re�culated Python, Indian egg-ea�ng snake

Punishment: Minimum 3 year to 7 year imprisonment and minimum Rs. 10000 fine which may extended to 25000/-

Part 2 of Schedule 2-

Species: Indian cobras, King Cobra, Russell's viper, Indian rat snake.

Punishment: Minimum 3 year to 7 year imprisonment and minimum Rs. 10000 fine which may extended to 25000/-

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