DefinePK

Research Objective

To document the squamate fauna (snakes and lizards) of Southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Tank and Lakki Marwat Districts) to fill the gap in geographical distribution information.

Methodology

Field survey conducted across 21 randomly selected sites in Tank and Lakki Marwat Districts from April 2021 to October 2022. Habitats surveyed included mountain regions, tropical dry deciduous forests, sandy patches, sand dunes, hard clay cliffs, hard soil, and small rivers. Specimens were collected using active searching, snake sticks, and noose traps, euthanized with ethanol, fixed in 10% formalin, and identified using keys by Khan (2006).

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD; A[Select 21 Random Sites in Tank/Lakki Marwat] --> B[Field SurveysApril 2021 - Oct 2022]; B --> C[Active Searching, Snake Sticks, Noose Traps]; C --> D[Collect Specimens & Record GPS Coordinates]; D --> E[Euthanize Ethanol & Preserve 10% Formalin]; E --> F[Identify Specimens using Keys Khan, 2006]; F --> G[Tabulate Species List Lizards/Snakes]; G --> H[Report Findings];                    

Discussion

The study addresses the Wallacean shortfall regarding local species distribution data. Specific lizard species like Laudakia nupta and Trapelus rubrigularis were documented in specific habitats within the districts. The findings enhance existing knowledge of the herpetofauna of Pakistan and provide baseline data for future species atlases.

Key Findings

A total of 28 squamate species were documented, distributed across 13 families. This included 13 lizard species (8 families) and 15 snake species (5 families). Four venomous snake species were collected: Bungarus caeruleus, Naja naja, Naja oxiana, and Echis carinatus.

Conclusion

The study successfully documented the squamate fauna of Tank and Lakki Marwat Districts for the first time, revealing a heterogeneous squamate assemblage comprising 28 species. This data contributes to the understanding of herpetofaunal diversity in previously unexplored regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Fact Check

1. The study collected a total of 28 squamate species. (Confirmed in Abstract and Results: "We collected a total of 28-eight squamate species...")
2. The study period spanned from April 2021 to October 2022. (Confirmed in Materials and Methods: "...from April 2021 to October 2022.")
3. Thirteen lizard species and fifteen snake species were documented. (Confirmed in Results: "We documented 13 lizards (eight families) and 15 snakes (five families) species...")

Mind Map