Qualitative analysis of factors influencing the diversity and spatial distribution of herpetofauna in Chakwal Tehsil (Chakwal district), Punjab, Pakistan

Published source details Rais M., Akram A., Ali S.M., Asadi M.A., Jahangir M., Jilani M.J. & Anwar M. (2015) Qualitative analysis of factors influencing the diversity and spatial distribution of herpetofauna in Chakwal Tehsil (Chakwal district), Punjab, Pakistan. Herpetological Conservation and Biology, 10, 801-810.
Share Tweet Email

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Protect habitat: All reptiles (excluding sea turtles) Action Link

Protect habitat: All reptiles (excluding sea turtles)

A replicated study in 2011–2013 in 22 sites of wetland, cropland, open scrub and forest in Punjab, Pakistan (Rais et al. 2015) found that protected sites overall tended to have higher numbers of reptiles and amphibians combined than unprotected sites, but that protected wetlands tended to have lower diversity of reptile and amphibian species combined compared to unprotected wetlands. Results were not statistically tested. Of 33 species that were observed overall, 19 were present in protected wetlands (total of 2,486 individuals), whereas 27 were present in unprotected wetlands (1,766 individuals). Nineteen species (6,586 individuals) were present in protected areas of mixed open habitat, whereas 15–21 species (154–2,092 individuals) were present in unprotected forest and croplands. Reptiles and amphibians were surveyed using visual encounter methods in 22 sites designated as: protected wetlands, unprotected wetlands, mixed open scrub and cultivated farmland protected as wildlife sanctuaries, and unprotected cropland and tropical thorny forest (number of sites/designation not provided). Surveys were carried out in each site in March–April, July–August, September–October and November–February from March 2011 to July 2013 (6 survey hours/day for 1–3 days at a time).

(Summarised by: Katie Sainsbury)