The first genetic assessment of wild and farmed ball pythons (Reptilia, Serpentes, Pythonidae) in southern Togo

Abstract

The ball python (Python regius) is the world’s most commonly traded python species for the “exotic” pet industry. The majority of these live snakes are produced via a number of python farms in West Africa that have been in operation since the 1960s and involved with “ranching” operations since the 1990s. However, to date no thorough taxonomic review or genetic studies have been conducted within its range, despite the fact that the evaluation of a species’ genetic variability is generally considered mandatory for effective management. We used mtDNA sequence data and eight polymorphic microsatellite markers to assess the underlying population genetic structure and to test the potential of the nuclear markers to assign farm individuals to wild reference populations in southern Togo. Despite the relatively large distances between sample locations, no significant genetic population structure was found, either in mtDNA sequence data or in the microsatellite data. Instead, our data indicate considerable gene flow among the locations. The absence of a distinct population subdivision may have resulted from an anthropogenic driven admixture of populations associated with commercial wildlife trade activity in recent decades. Given the ongoing largely unregulated nature of the commercial ranching of ball pythons in West Africa, should a wild release component continue, as a first measure we recommend that the Management Authorities should develop an action plan with specific release protocols for python farms to minimise any potential negative conservation impacts resulting from admixture (genetic pollution) between farmed and wild individuals.

Snake oil and pangolin scales: insights into wild animal use at “Marché des Fétiches” traditional medicine market, Togo

“…Although the majority of live Ball pythons are reported as animals originating from "ranching" operations, there are concerns that current hunting practices to maintain ranch stock target the most vulnerable biological stages (specifically gravid females and neonates) (Auliya and Schmitz 2010;D'Cruze et al 2020). Additionally, there are concerns that methods used to source wild Ball pythons, such as the digging and destruction of burrows and the improper release of ranched Ball pythons, may also be contributing to an overall reduction in wild populations of this species (Auliya and Schmitz 2010;D'Cruze et al 2020) and genetic pollution (Auliya et al 2020). In light of these other conservation pressures, the large-scale sale of pythons as traditional medicine is also of potential conservation concern.…”

A preliminary assessment of bacteria in “ranched” ball pythons (Python regius), Togo, West Africa

“…Additional surveillance of ball pythons, both in the wild and in captivity at python farms in West Africa, will shed light on whether this type of commercial activity increases pathogen exposure and lowers barriers to transmission. However, in light of other management concerns (Auliya et al 2020;D'Cruze et al 2020), and as a precautionary measure, it is strongly advised that farms maintaining reptiles and other wildlife adjust to standard hygiene and quarantine measures, (e.g., biosecurity and disease surveillance practices [cf. Woodford 2000]) to minimize horizontal and vertical transfer.…”

African Lions and Zoonotic Diseases: Implications for Commercial Lion Farms in South Africa

“…A diverse range of wild animal species are farmed around the world for a range of commercial purposes, for example as exotic pets (e.g., snake farms in West Africa [16]), traditional medicine (e.g., bear bile farms in China and South-East Asia [17]), leather (e.g., alligators farms in the USA [18]), or fur (e.g., mink and fox farms in Europe [19]). Cases of infectious disease emergence from pathogen transmission among farmed wildlife have been documented from across the taxonomic spectrum.…”