M Zaheer Khan, Babar Hussain, Syed Ali Ghalib, Afsheen Zehra and Nazia Mahmood
Keywords: Karachi coast, reptilian fauna, distribution, status.
Abstract: In this study, total twenty seven reptilian species including three turtle species, Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas), Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), and Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), nine lizard species such as Common Tree Lizard (Calotes versicolor versicolor), Spotted Barn Gecko (Hemidactylus brooki), Yellow Bellied Common House Gecko (Hemidactylus flaviviridis), Persian House Gecko (Hemidactylus persicus), Blotched House Gecko (Hamidactylus triedrus), Mediterranean House Gecko (Hamidactylus turcicus), Blue Tail Sand Lizard (Acanthodactylus cantoris), Spotted Lacerta (Mesalina watsonana), and Bengal Monitor (Varanus bengalensis) were recorded from Manora, Sandspit, Hawksbay and Cape Monze areas during 2001-2009. Fifteen snakes species viz Beaked Sea Snake (Enhydrina schistosa), Blue Green Sea Snake (Hydrophis caerulescens), Annulated Sea Snake (Hydrophis cyanocinctus), Persian Sea Snake (Hydrophis lapemoides), Broad Band Sea Snake (Hydrophis mamillaris), Reef Sea Snake (Hydrophis ornatus), Yellow Sea Snake (Hydrophis spiralis), Pygmy Sea Snake (Lapemis curtus), Spotted Small Headed Sea Snake (Microcephalophis cantrois), Pelagic Sea Snake (Pelamis platurus), Spotted Viperine Sea Snake (Praescutata viperina), and Blotched Diadem Snake (Sphalerosophis diadema diadema) were recorded, while three species Cliff Racer (Platyceps rhodorachis), Saw-scaled Viper (Echis carinatus) and Black Cobra (Naja naja) were recorded from Manora, Hawkesbay and Cape Monze area only. There are several habitat degradation threats especially to marine turtles, Lizards are also affected by habitat degradation and disturbance, but it is a very minor threat. There is some mortality of Bengal Monitor during the road crossing. Human activities that directly or indirectly threaten marine turtles include the exploitation of eggs and turtles, fishery-related mortality, inappropriate management practices, destruction or modification of habitats, pollution, and recreation activities.
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