ABSTRACT

Squamate reptiles are among the most underappreciated taxa due to their unappealing esthetics and numerous myths and misconceptions associated with them, depriving them of much needed conservation-related attention. This study was undertaken in a human-modified ecosystem of Darjeeling, Eastern Himalaya, by integrating ecological and social methods to assess the conservation potential of reptiles and understand community perceptions about reptiles. Ecological diversity was investigated by time-constrained visual encounter surveys, whereas key informant interviews (n = 42) using a semi-structured questionnaire examined the perceived diversity, attitudes, and behavior toward reptiles. Results indicated that respondents underestimated the local reptilian-diversity, but recognized their habitats and phenology. Eighty-three percent of key informants believed that squamates are poisonous, whereas 52% suggested that they would kill squamates. Knowledge-building programs that promote citizen science and help in identifying venomous squamates may be key to squamate reptile conservation in the region.

摘要

有鳞爬行动物是最被低估的分类群之一，因为它们的美学不吸引人，以及与之相关的众多神话和误解，剥夺了它们急需的与保护相关的关注。这项研究是在喜马拉雅东部大吉岭的人类改造生态系统中进行的，通过整合生态和社会方法来评估爬行动物的保护潜力并了解社区对爬行动物的看法。生态多样性通过时间受限的视觉遭遇调查进行调查，而关键知情人访谈（n= 42) 使用半结构化问卷调查了对爬行动物的感知多样性、态度和行为。结果表明，受访者低估了当地爬行动物的多样性，但承认了它们的栖息地和物候。83% 的关键知情人认为有鳞甲是有毒的，而 52% 的人认为他们会杀死有鳞甲。促进公民科学和帮助识别有毒鳞状动物的知识建设计划可能是该地区鳞状爬行动物保护的关键。