MERTENSIELLA 18

388-392

20 September 2011

ISBN 978-3-9812565-4-3

The Dice Snake (Natrix tessellata) in Syria: Distribution, Trade and Conservation
Adwan H. Shehab, Aroub Al Masri & Zuhair S. Amr
Abstract. The dice snake (Natrix tessellata) in Syria occurs primarily in the west, the far north east and along the Euphrates River. Previous and new locality records confirm the known distribution, but also uncover neglected surveys in northern and eastern Syria. A large trade for the national and international pet market is exploiting regional population of dice snakes, in particular in fish hatcheries. A conservation concept of N. tessellata in Syria is not yet realized. Literature review and personal field notes show a commonly known biology of the dice snake in Syria. Key words. Syria, Natrix tessellata, animal market Damascus, threat, new records.

Introduction Throughout the Middle East, Syria is relatively rich in natural freshwater resources as compared with neighboring countries except Turkey. Several permanent rivers and many ponds, lakes and streams cover most of western Syria, providing relevant habitat for the dice snake, Natrix tessellata. However, little has been published about the distribution of N. tessellata in Syria. Few papers addressed the distribution of this snake along with other reptiles in southwestern Syria (Berger-Dellmour 1986, Sivan & Werner 1992, Esterbauer 1985, 1992). Esterbauer (1994) discussed several aspects of the life history of N. tessellata in southwestern Syria including biology, feeding habits and behaviour. Recently, Amr et al. (2007) addressed the problem of trading in reptiles in Syria, with reference to N. tessellata. In this paper, we discuss the distribution, trade and conservation of N. tessellata in Syria.

Materials and Methods Field trips by the authors covering various habitats in Syria were conducted since 1996 to the present. New and published localities for Natrix tessellata were compiled and mapped. Field observations on the biology of N. tessellata were recovered from field note books regarding feeding, other behaviour and ecology. We visited the local animal market in Damascus several times during 20032009 and present the observations as well as summary aspects of trade and conservation for N. tessellata in Syria. Results and Discussion Distribution of Natrix tessellata in Syria The dice snake, Natrix tessellata, is distributed throughout the western part of Syria, but it has been observed

Fig. 1 (next page). A: Distribution of N. tessellata in Syria; B: enlarged for SW Syria. New records: (1) Al Salha-Malkieh, (2) Hemo-Al Qamishli, (3) Tabka Malkieh, (5) Maadan, (6) Al Tebne, (7) Shatha, (8) Ayn Abu Jumaa, (9) Dier Azour, (10) Mohasan, (11) Al Miadien, (12) Al Ashara, (13) As Salihiyyah, (14) Al Boukamal, (15) Tartous Homs Road, (17) Zarzar Lake, (18) Abu Jarash (Damascus), (19) Ghota, (29) Rwehenah Dam, (30) Abdeen, (31) Sadderom, (32) Al-Mozirieb, (33) 10 km E Sweida, (34) Tall Gnaieh, (35) Nabe Ira, (36) Saddelaien, (37) Amtan. Previous records: (4) Taftanaz (Lymberakis & Kalionzopoulou 2003), (16) Al Chatib (Martens 1996), (20) Arnah (Esterbauer 1992), (21) Mount Hermon (Sivan & Werner 1992), (22) Hadar (Esterbauer 1992), (23) Masil Al Fawar (Esterbauer 1994), (24) Harfa, SE Halas (Esterbauer 1992), (25) Taranjah (Esterbauer 1992), (26) Khan Uraynibah (Esterbauer 1992), (27) Al Hamidiyah (Esterbauer 1992), (28) Golan (Berger-Dellmour 1986), (23). Museum records: (5) HUJR 82708273, H. Zinner, 1966, Maadan, (16) MHNP 1935346, Homs, (38) ZMUZ 121236, Aleppo, (39) HUJR 82748276, coll. H. Zinner 1966, Sabch - 4 km NW of Sabcha, (40) MHNP 1925-47 to 1925-54, Ataibe, near Otaybah and Bahret el Ateibe (= Utaibe, Otaibe, 20 km east of Damascus ), (41) MHNP 1935-349 to 1935352, Hama, (42) MHNP 1976-364, Palmyra, (43) MHNG 1388.261388.29, Fariatian (= Qariatien), (44) MHNP 6469-70, Lake Tiberiade. Abbreviations: HUJR: Herpetological Collection in the Hebrew University of Jerusalem MHNP: Musum National dHistoire Naturelle, Paris, France MHNG: Museum Histoire Naturelle de Geneve, Switzerland ZMUZ: Zoological Museum University of Zrich, Switzerland

2011 Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Herpetologie und Terrarienkunde e.V. (DGHT), Rheinbach, Germany

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only in a few localities in the east (Fig. 1). Most records are from southwestern Syria, where many established populations are known. However, new findings show its extended distribution into eastern Syria along the lower reaches of the tributaries of the Euphrates River as far south as the border with Iraq. This indicates that the Euphrates River is the largest and probably the most relevant aquatic habitat for Natrix tessellata in eastern Syria. Generally, N. tessellata occurs in all accessible aquatic habitats from fish hatcheries, lakes, springs to rivers. N. tessellata appears to be locally very common. It was found in particular high densities along dams and fish ponds. For instance, more than 50 snakes were observed within an hour in Saddelaien near Swieda, and hundreds of snakes were recovered by snake hunters from fish farms around Al-Mozirieb. Particularly interesting is the isolated museum record from Palmira (Palmyra) (Fig. 1), a locality surrounded by deserts. We dont know, whether dice snakes still exists there, as this record originates from the last century. But at least, it is a witness of a once wider distribution of N. tessellata in Syria, and with that of a different landscape containing more water. The area of Ataibe (Bahr el Aateibe), 20 km east of Damascus, pertain also to an area that has suffered severe to complete water loss, so that we presume the dice snake is extinct there today.

Notes on the Biology of N. tessellata in Syria In southern Syria, the many new fish farms harbor large populations of Natrix tessellata, as they feed on the abundant fish. This area is a small dam fed by tributary wadis and surrounded by relatively thick vegetation. Many N. tessellata are easily spotted there when they come to the surface by only sticking their heads out. In Al-Mozirieb, for instance, hundreds of snakes could be seen in the artificial fish pond, where Tilapia zilli fish is cultivated (Fig. 2). Occasionally, anurans are consumed as well, as a specimen from Sadderom had vomited an adult Pelophylax bedriagae in June 1999. The hibernation period of N. tessellata in southern Syria does not differ much from those reported for Europe, as it lasts from the end of October until the early March (Gruschwitz et al. 1999). Hibernating individuals have been found during January and February 2003 in Saddelaien and Sadderom. They were resting calmly under rocks or old tree branches. . Others have reported on various aspects of N. tessellata in southern Syria. Martens (1996) found the grass snake (N. natrix) coexisting with N. tessellata in the area of Al Chatib with N. tessellata to be more common. Esterbauer (1994) gave a comprehensive account on N. tessellata from southwestern Syria, where he visited

Fig. 2. Fish farm at Al-Mozirieb, yielding a high density of Natrix tessellata.

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Fig. 3. A bag filled with Natrix tessellata collected by snake collectors from the Al-Mozirieb fish farm.

Fig. 4. Hundreds of Natrix tessellata languish in containers for sale in the animal market in Damascus.

some ponds over a period of 8 months, with those at Masil Al Fawar on a daily basis. According to his accounts, N. tessellata was difficult to observe, because it reacted rapidly to human approach by fleeing into the water and hiding or disappearing in the water and under water plants for hours. He also described the combination of feigning death and aposematic behavior of Syrian N. tessellata, including turning its eyes to the mouth corner, opening its mouth, twisting its tail and exposing its contrastingly coloured ventral side. We found the basic dorsal color of N. tessellata to vary from gray, olive, to reddish brown. Very pale yellowish to olive specimens were also observed as well as dark to melanistic specimens. The dark form represents 3% of all our observed specimens (Fig. 3). Trade of N. tessellata in Syria Over the past years, we visited the animal market in downtown Damascus several times. More than 10 shops are specialized in selling live local animals (birds, mammals and reptiles). We have observed that tens of N. tessellata specimens were placed in crowded water containers, including several dead specimens. These snakes are sold for about 2 US$ a piece as aquarium animals. They are sent to Turkey and Europe by buses and other land transport as indicated by customs officers on the borders. They are not consumed or used as a subscription for folk medicine or other traditional practices. In 2004, the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature in Jordan seized a bag of snakes which contained over 100 N. tessellata specimens originating from Syria (Amr et al. 2007). These snakes most likely are condemned to die. In February 2009, the senior author visited the animal market in downtown Damascus and observed nine jars filled with snakes (N. tessellata and perhaps a few N. natrix), originating from fish farms in the Al Ghab

area. Each jar contained probably up to 100 snakes (Fig. 4). Other dice snakes at this animal market are collected from Zarzar Lake. In these shops, the unfortunate snakes die within two weeks, presumably due to the stress and/or suffocation inflicted by the crowded conditions and lack of food. Snakes sold to private consumers usually do not survive more than two weeks with their new owners, as some told us that they kept the snakes in fish aquaria without proper feeding and rearing conditions. A great threat stems from the many fish farms that have been established in Syria, There, N. tessellata is persecuted in great numbers. Farmers consider these snakes as a pest that feed on young fish and remove and kill them regularly. In one occasion at a fish farm in AlMozirieb, we observed a bag filled with tens of freshly collected N. tessellata (Fig. 3). In Al Ghab, along the Orontes River, we encountered many killed snakes near fish farms and agricultural areas. The continuance of such illegal trade will very probably affect the status of N. tessellata in Syria, and in the worst case, lead to a drastic decline in local populations. Overcollecting of certain species raises the need to evaluate the level of trade and make sure that it is not causing irreversible declines in wild populations. A proper management plan for a sustainable harvest is desired, as it has been done for another semi-aqautic snake species (Micucci & Waller 2007). In Syria, no records to track the imports and exports of reptiles are available. The lack of information implies that population declines due to overcollecting could be going undetected. Further investigation should focus on the actual number of traded animals in Syria (Amr et al. 2007). The concept of conservation in its broad spectrum is not yet fully realized in Syria, despite the presence of a conservation authority. This is mainly due to lack of experience and knowledge in this multidisciplinary task. Syria has no area-based environmental laws or protected area system dedicated explicitly towards conserving

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biodiversity. However, the General Commission of Environmental Affairs is currently drafting a nature conservation law, and there is a system of protected forests and rangelands (Amr et al. 2007). Collecting and hunting animals occurs throughout Syria and is said to be increasing. The hunting laws are considered to be strict, but despite the efforts of the authorities, many collect and trade animals illegally. Law enforcement and awareness should be the first priority for the Syrian authorities to regulate this trade. Nonetheless, N. tessellata is still common in Syria. However, reassessment of the local populations is urgently required. Further studies on the populations inhabiting the Euphrates should be conducted in order to check if these populations are also under threat of trade.
Acknowledgments We wish to thank Eng. Ibrahim Zaghtiti from the GIS unit (ACSAD) for his help in producing the maps. We also extend our gratitude to Mr. Ahmad Eidek for his help during our visit to the Euphrates and for providing additional records. Our great appreciation goes to Konrad Mebert for his valuable editing of the text and addition of locality records from museum specimens.

References
Amr, Z., Shehab A. & M. Abu Baker (2007): Some observations on the herpetofauna of Syria with notes on Trade in reptiles. Herpetozoa 20: 2126. Berger-Dellmour, V.H. (1986): Zur Herpetofauna des Golan. Annalen des Naturhistorischen Museums in Wien 87B: 5967. Esterbauer, H. (1985): Zur Herpetofauna Sdwestsyriens. Herpetofauna 7: 2334. Esterbauer, H. (1992): Die Herpetofauna des stlichen Golanund Hermongebietes. Funde und Bemerkungen zur Systematik und kologie. Zoology in the Middle East 7: 2154. Esterbauer, H. (1994): Lebensweise und Verhalten der Wrfelnatter im Masil al Fawwar (Syrien). DATZ 47: 308311 Gruschwitz, M., Lenz, S., Mebert, K. & V. Laka (1999): Natrix tessellata (Laurenti, 1768) Wrfelnatter. In: Bhme, W. (Ed.): Handbuch der Reptilien und Amphibien Europas, Vol. 3/Schlangen II. AULA-Verlag, Wiesbaden, Germany: 581 644. Lymberakis, P. & A. Kalionzopoulou (2003): Additions to the herpetofauna of Syria. Zoology in the Middle East 29: 3339. Martens, H. (1996): The rediscovery of the grass snake Natrix natrix (L.) in the Levant. Zoology in the Middle East 12: 59 64. Micucci, P.A. & T. Waller (2007): The management of yellow anacondas (Eunectes notaeus) in Argentina: From historical misuse to resource appreciation. Iguana 14(3): 160171. Sivan, N. & Y.L. Werner (1992): Survey of the reptiles of the Golan Plateau and Mt. Hermon, Israel. Israel Journal of Zoology 37: 193211.

Authors Adwan H. Shehab, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR), Douma, P. O. Box 113, Damascus, Syria; e-mail: a.shehab@mail.sy; Aroub Al Masri, National Commission for Biotechnology (NCBT), Head of Biodiversity Laboratory, P.O.B. 3839, Damascus, Syria; Zuhair S. Amr, Department of Biology, Jordan University of Science & Technology, Irbid, Jordan.

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