Rescue and Rehabilitation of an Indian Rock Python (Python Molurus): First Case Study from Pakistan

Abstract

Pythons are facing the threat of extinction due to pernicious activities of humans and their interference in the natural habitat of pythons. The Indian rock python (Python molurus) has been stated as Lower Risk/Near Threatened by International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Therefore, it is essential to change the perception of people to encourage a positive symbiosis of pythons and humans. Current study involved the rescue and rehabilitation of an Indian rock python (P. molurus) spotted at the shrine of Baba Shah Jeevan, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. The Python was grasped by skilled snake catchers and taken to the wildlife sanctuary in Balkasar Research Complex, Chakwal, Pakistan for the purpose of conservation. The python was kept in a cage designed for reptiles (especially for snakes) with proper soil bed and shelter. Proper hygienic conditions were maintained in the cage with climbing structures for the python and an adult chicken was fed to it every week. After rescuing, the python was force-fed, however the natural feeding behavior of constriction and killing of prey was resumed by it after a few weeks. Rescue, rehabilitation and release of pythons creates a cooperative environment between pythons and humans instead of a conflict-oriented symbiosis, ultimately decreasing the risk of population decline of large snakes.