Status and Conservation of Indian Rock Python (Python molurus molurus) in Deva Vatala National Park, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan

Population of Indian Rock Python (Python molurus molurus) was studied in Deva Vatala National Park, by visual encounter survey method and taking into account past sighting recorded by interviewing the local community, from April to September 2009. The python was randomly distributed in all localities of the study area with an overall population density of 3.06/km 2 . Most sightings records were in July (26%) and August (15%), in day time, mostly near water sources in the forest areas. Python appears to prefer sub-tropical part of the park. A total of 91 python attacks were reported resulting in 74 livestock deaths and 17 injured. Herding practices of local cattle have increased habitat disturbance and declined the natural prey species of python which in turn has increased livestock losses, causing negative perception for python in local community. Habitat destruction due to the forest cutting, overgrazing, fodder and fuel wood collection and illegal python trade are found to be the major threats to this species.