Articles

Appreciating Reptiles

by Neelamadhab Sahu and Ranjit Sahu

The word reptiles bring to our mind a fearful creature like a snake or extinct dinosaurs yet many ecosystems have reptiles as important and indispensable components. According to the early fossil record and molecular phylogeny reptiles known to be appeared the first time on the earth more than 250 million years ago in the late Paleozoic Era. It has been seen that tropical regions have the highest species richness of reptiles in comparison to other regions yet the study on reptiles in these regions is low compared to birds and mammals. There are diverse reptile species that seems to be well adopted in most of the habitat including terrestrial, desert, freshwater, and marine. Reptiles are not widely distributed like birds and mammals and quite unknown to common people about their presence and biological importance except some signature species like snakes, crocodiles, and turtles/tortoises. There are more than 10,000 species of reptiles discovered and still many species are remain unknown.

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While injury and death due to reptiles like snakes and crocodiles become headlines, their beneficial role is often ignored. More often than not people have a knee-jerk reaction to the presence of a reptile like a snake amidst them and often in absence of any kind of alternative approach, end up killing the reptile. However, reptiles act both as predators and prey in the food web and provide ecosystem services as scavengers. Many garden pests like slugs and insects are a prey base of reptiles like skinks and garden lizards. The presence of snakes in and around agricultural fields where grains are produced and stored often acts as a bio-control against rodent pests. Tortoises can aid in seed dispersal and geckos can act as pollinators in island ecosystems. Parts of reptiles are used in folk medicines the world over and many reptiles are hunted for their skin and used as trophies. People are often afraid of the presence of reptiles like snakes, crocodiles, and monitor lizards, due to which forested areas and riverine systems remain free from human interference.

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Overuse of biological resources, harvesting process of agriculture, modification of natural systems by forest fire, constructions of dams, and mining activities should have had an impact on reptiles as well which needs the attention of conservationists. The introduction of invasive species into an ecosystem could also impact the survival of reptile species by interfering in their life cycles. Climate change, habitat loss, illegal trade, chemical pollution in the sea, river, and other water bodies are the major threats for both marine and freshwater reptiles. Polythene and small pieces of fishing net in water bodies cause threats to both marine and freshwater turtles. Dams in rivers and streams cause serious complications in the genetic flow of aquatic animals including freshwater turtles.

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Yet not much emphasis has been placed on the conservation of reptiles except signature animals like tortoises, turtles, alligators and crocodiles, and some snake species undertaken in Wildlife (Protection) act 1972. Though the gradual awareness about the importance of snakes has led to the formation of snake rescue squads and the establishment of helplines, yet many other common species still face the challenge of surviving in a world increasingly subject to climate change and human development. The biggest challenge for the reptiles is of course loss of habitat and illegal trade for their skin or as illegal pets. Eggs of tortoises and turtles are often poached leading to their decline. One main reason for the lack of interest in the view of reptiles is their less visual appeal compared to mammals and birds or even fishes that are appreciated as pets. While the modern pet trade has gradually included snakes and lizards among its products, the public perception of reptiles is still to change. Often perceived as cold-blooded animals without an ability to bond with humans, their conservation needs to be focused on by ensuring the general public to protects them in their local habitats.

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Many snake and gecko species are not known by common people. Many non-venomous and mildly venomous snake species have been killed due to misconceptions as they are being harmful to people. Small reptiles need a habitat having small herbs, grasses, and shrubs with rocky or soil areas. These would help the reptiles to find their prey. Most reptiles also need protective spaces to bask in sunlight during cold weather.

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A traditional village Maneswar of Sambalpur district of Odisha well known for the community conservation of the Indian Soft Shelled Turtles (Asperadetus gangeticus) in religious belief since ancestors. The village communities protect the eggs from stray dogs, keep the habitat pollution-free, and declared the water body as a no-fishing zone. Here we can say community participation plays an important role in the conservation of reptiles. Similarly, community participation results in the saving of several marine turtles during a recent cold wave in the United States.

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Similarly, the Olive ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) have been conserved from their mass nesting to egg hatching by the forest department, NGOs, and local communities along the coasts of Odisha. The olive ridley sea turtles mass nesting in the specific seashores only, so their conservation of habitat is mainly focused on by the government.

However many local species of reptiles do not get this privilege and more in-depth study of their habitats and habits is the call of the day. It is important to create awareness among people, mostly the school children and young ones about the importance of small shrubs, herbs, grasses along with lesser-known reptiles and their ecological benefits. It is seen that the butterfly gardens have an important role in the conservation of small reptile species. The restoration of wild plants will also play an important role in the conservation of reptile habitats. Reptiles have been largely overlooked as important components of an ecosystem and it is a good idea to look at them on world environment day.

 

Photographs

  1. Laudankia vine snake (Ahetula laudankia)
  2. Indian flapshell turtle (Lissemys punctata)
  3. Indian Garden Lizard (Calotes versicolor)
  4. Common garden skink (Lampropholis guichenoti)
  5. Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus)
  6. Saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus)

About the Author

Neelamadhab Sahu has completed M.Sc. in Biodiversity and Conservation of Natural Resources from Central University of Odisha, Koraput. His interest includes research on flora and fauna, writing science story for school children and communicate science with community. He is a nature and wildlife photographer by passion.

Dr. Ranjit K. Sahu is a Scientist and Research professional and freelance writer with over a decade of experience in Agricultural Biotechnology, biomedical research, currently located in Virginia, USA. His interests include education, environment, sustainability and health care in the underprivileged regions of the world.

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