期刊名称：International Journal of Conservation Science
印刷版ISSN：2067-533X
电子版ISSN：2067-8223
出版年度：2019
卷号：10
期号：3
页码：543-554
出版社：Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi
摘要：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.
关键词：Indian Rock Python; New distribution; Threats; Conservation; Azad Jammu and Kashmir.;
