01 Oca 2026 Perşembe
A regional assessment of snake diversity and ecology in Khanewal, Punjab, Pakistan
Abstract : The diversity and ecological health of snake populations are crucial for maintaining the balance of ecosystems, yet many regions remain under-surveyed, limiting our understanding of their distribution and conservation needs. This study aims to address this gap by providing a comprehensive assessment of the snake fauna in Khanewal District, Punjab, Pakistan, conducted over a five-year period (February 2020 to July 2025). Field surveys were carried out across urban, suburban, and rural environments using time-constrained searches and incidental encounters. A total of 185 snake specimens were recorded, representing 6 families and 10 species. The family Elapidae was the most frequently encountered across the region. Understanding the ecological roles and habitat preferences of these species is vital for reducing human-snake conflict, particularly in agricultural and residential areas where interactions are more common.