Country Report of Thailand for CITES Asian Snake trade workshop Guangzhou (China),11-14 April 2011

Transcription

1 Introduction Country Report of Thailand for CITES Asian Snake trade workshop Guangzhou (China),11-14 April 2011 by Mr. Suraphong Chaweepak Mrs. Srifa La-ong Mrs. Nilubon Khanha Thailand has a large number of species of snakes, (about 175 spp.).some of them are found in all areas of the country. Of the 175 snakes species, 62 species are non-venomous, 50 species are mildly venomous, 56 species are very venomous, 7 species are insufficient data to classify, however, they are no more toxic than mildly venomous. Thailand is rich in snake fauna with body sizes ranging from blind snakes to the large Python reticulates. They are still found in densely populated Bangkok. Destruction of their natural habitat has resulted in the decline of a number of species with the leather trade taking a heavy toll on others. Fortunately, in recent years enlighted attitudes have evolved and more people and governments have become aware of the beneficial role of these animal play in the balance of the nature. Biology and Conservation Habitats Snakes live in any geographic environment where temperatures are sufficiently warm to their bodies to function. They may be primarily terrestrial, fossorial, aboreal, semi-aquatic, Aquatic, or marine. However, primarily terrestrial species, such as cobras, will sometimes climb trees for search of food. Many Thai snakes rely upon color as a defense against predators. In most cases body colors tend to make the snake blend into its environment and make it difficult to see. Foods There are many kinds of food of snakes for instances; Rats, Toads, Skinks, Fishes, Insects, Bats, and Birds, etc. Status of wild population of snakes in Thailand Most of them are least concern for the status of wild population of snakes in Thailand. There are 21 species for Near Threatened Status. The details are in annex. There are 14 species for Endemic Status. The details are in annex. Distribution Every part of Thailand is inhabited by some kind of snakes, including the surrounding seas. Most enjoy the warmth of the lowlands, but the range of some species is restricted to the cooler highlands, such as Green Mountain Racer (Gonyosoma prasina) Indo-Malayan Mountain Pit Viper (Ovophis monticola convictus) etc.

2 Research Program 2 I. The Identification of Snake Skins in Leather Industry of Thailand The goal of the study was to develop a tentative means of distinguish legally snake skins from illegal snake skins. The number of scale rows, scale forms and scale attachment were the important characters used for identification. Eighteen species of snake skin usually using in leather industry were observed. Eight of them are CITES listed (App.II and III) Ten of them are Non- CITES listed, Eight of them are Protected species of Thailand (details in Annex) II. Field Assessment of Cobra (Naja spp.) Exploitation in Thailand Objectives To assess the status of Naja spp., particularly harvested species. To collect biological and ecological data on the species both from the wild and harvested animals. To assess current levels of harvest and to gather data on domestic and international trade in the species. To provide recommendations for the sustainable management of harvest of Naja spp., including export quotas. Study period 2 years (year ) Study areas 1. Central region and certain provinces of northern region. 2. Southern region. Results 1. Three of eleven cobra species (Naja spp.) found in Thailand, which are Monocled Cobra (Naja kaouthia), Black and White Spitting Cobra (Naja siamensis), and Golden Spitting Cobra (Naja sumatrana). 2. Cobras remain wildly distributed throughout Thailand. They are found in a variety of habitats. N.kaouthia and N.siamensis are commonly found in agricultural areas. N.sumatrana is rarer than the other two species and distributes in specific areas in Southern Thailand; its status is limited to the geographical distribution range. Overall, three cobras are classified as least concern species. 3. Three Thai cobras are seasonal breeders and they reach maturity in the third year of age. Clutch size ranges from eggs in N.kaouthia, 3-28 eggs in N.siamensis, and 6-23 eggs in N.sumatrana. Potential rates of population growth are quite high, especially N.kaouthia which is the significantly traded cobra in Thailand. 4. Maturity age of N.kaouthia may be earlier than 3 years. N.kaouthia hatches during dry to the beginning of wet seasons (April-May) and breeds in cold season (November-January). 5. Among three cobra species found in Thailand, N.kaouthia is the most commonly traded. N.siamensis is exploited in some areas of its range, but N.sumatrana was not found in our trade survey. 5. Major cobra harvesters are rural workers and farmers, who earn additional incomes by harvesting cobra and other saleable species. The primary harvest method is simple by tracking and digging, which is influenced by natural conditions, particularly climate and vegetation covers. The simple method prevents the harvester from clear harvest of snake population. The harvesters mainly harvest the cobra during the wet season when snakes are easily to be obtained. However, the harvest during egg-laid season should be prohibited in order to reduce the risk of female to be captured that would decrease the egg loss from the access of predators by the egg-guarding habit. 6. Cobra in Thailand has been continually exploited for international trade since the record in early 1980s. After two decades of harvesting, the information suggests that a degree of sustainability may be accomplished. Interviewing the harvesters indicated that there have never had a problem finding cobras. The dramatic decrease of exported cobra in the international trade

3 3 record since 1990 is considerably associated by the government restriction, not caused by the rapid decline of cobra population. The suspension of certain exported specimens (e.g. live snakes, unprocessed skins etc) substantially influenced on cobra exploitation through market mechanisms, which play a vital role to control harvest. For example, cobra is not directly harvested for skin since price of live snake is higher than skin. Exported skins and skin products are derived from domestic uses. International trade of cobra in Thailand thus inseparably involves the domestic consumption. 7. The assessment of cobra population is considerably difficult because of its large distribution range, various habitats, and differences of use conditions. Thus, the studies of the trade and its effects are mainly relied on anecdotal observations for evidence of status changes. Further field study and harvest monitoring would be regularly conducted to provide the most recent information for annual quota setting. Moreover, the harvest management and control would be set by considering to the efficiency and practicality of measures. III. Demography of the Monocled Cobra (Naja Kauthia) in the Central Region of Thailand, Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, Year 2011 Naja kaouthia is broadly distributed throughout Thailand. It is a significant species because it causes human mortality and is commercially exploited. Understanding the life history and demography of harvested populations is essential to provide guidelines for proper management. The study was conducted in paddy fields of Thailand s central plain which is an active harvesting area, and is a preferred habitat of N. kaouthia population data were collected by using mark-capture-recapture technique, and were analyzed by using POPAN under program MARK. Diet, growth and reproduction data were also gathered. N. kaouthia of all age classes primarily prey on mice, but may differ in the specific mice species with corresponding to snake size. Neonates also feed on arthropods, smaller frog, while juveniles and adults preyed on larger-sized prey species including snakes, skink, fish, bird, and bird s eggs. Scavenging behavior was also observed. Snakes in earlier ages significantly grow faster than older snakes do. However, rate of growth did not differ between two sexes. Daily mean increment of length is 2.6±0.2mm. for neonates,1.4±0.3mm for juveniles, and 0.4±0.08mm. for adults. Breeding frequency ranges from annual to triennial. Clutch size of N. kaouthia was 25.5±10 eggs. The sex ratio of male and female was not different (1:1) in the same and between plots. Total of 247 cobras and 280 occasions were recorded, with consisting of 216 in-plot and 31 off-plot cobras. Survivorship of snakes are not different between two sites. Female snakes were encountered more frequently during egglaying season (December-January), while high number of male encountered in other seasons particularly during mating season (August- November). Temporal overlap between reproductive timing period and harvesting season may threaten harvested populations because of opportunistically female-biased selection. It is suggested to reduce or suspend harvesting during reproductive season of N. kaouthia, while long term monitoring is essentially required for obtaining accurate population estimates. Life history traits of N. kaouthia, i.e. habitat and diet generalist, rapid growth, and relatively high reproduction may allow species to withstand harvesting. Main Threats There are many causes of main threats for decreasing population of snakes, for instances; (1) Depletion of Ecosystem including of Habitat losses. (2) Over exploitation by domestic and international trades. (3) Illegal wildlife Trafficking. (4) Food of snakes are decreasing and contaminated with chemical substances. (5) Attitude/Perception.

4 Legal, management and enforcement Legislation 4 Thailand has the first Act to protect for wildlife since B.E. 2503(1960) and recently, we have the new Wild Animal Reservation and Protection Act B.E. 2535(1992).This is the important tool to manipulate and to conserve wildlife resources. It has the intention to protect reserved animals and protected wild animals, too. Thailand has complied with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora to ensure of sustainable use. Therefore, CITES management Authority of Thailand are conscious and recognizing of CITES snake trades. Hench, To control, manage and enforce, we have to comply and fulfill the domestic and international laws. Policies (1) The Thai cabinet has launched the resolution since October 9,1990 to suspend the exportation of live snakes to abroad in order to keep balanced of nature, especially to control rat population. The exception is for finished skins, carcass and products can be exported. (2) In-situ gene conservation. Thailand has the protected area, they are National Parks and Wildlife Santuary. That areas are very important to conserve wild fauna and wild flora. (3) Ex-situ gene conservation. The Minister, with the consent of the committee, is empowered to proclaim, through the issuance of Ministerial Regulation, certain kinds of protected wild animals to be permissible for breeding operation. For the protected snakes species, Thailand has 14 species (4 species has proclaimed for permissible for breeding operation are as follows: (1)Python reticulatus (2) Python molurus bivittatus (3)Ptyas korros (4) Ptyas mucosus Trade controls and enforcement CITES Management Authority of Thailand is emphasis to control snake trade by permitting system. In addition, we control by prescribed quotas for the cobra (Naja kauthia) that harvested from the wild for full skin 2,000 pieces and for products 1,100 pieces. For the trade controls and enforcement, CITES Management Authority of Thailand collaborates with Scientific Authority, Police, Customs and Airport Authority of Thailand, Nongovernment organizations, and other related organizations to implement strictly for control wildlife trafficking. We are emphasis on the International Airport, Port and border lines. Thailand has set up the wildlife check points to comply with CITES. We have 36 wildlife check points.

5 5 Trade and Market Key species and commodities traded Snakes export of CITES App.II and III in year 2010 are as priority: Scientific Name items Quantity 1.Vipera russelii (App.III) Finished Skins 5127 pcs. Vipera russelii (App.III) Products 9 pcs. 2.Python reticulates (App.II) Finished Skins 1294 pcs. Python reticulates (App.II) Products 4658 pcs. 3.Python molurus bivittatus (App.II) Finished Skins 1602 pcs. Python molurus bivittatus (App.II) Products 140 pcs. 4.Cerberus rhynchops (App.III) Finished Skins 960 pcs. Cerberus rhynchops (App.III) Products 12 pcs. 5.Naja kaouthia (App.II) Finished Skins 800 pcs. Naja kaouthia (App.II) Products 103 pcs. 6.Python reticulatus + Python molurus bivittatus (App.II) Products 120 pcs. Total Finished Skins/Products 14,825 pcs. Snakes export of Non- CITES in year 2010 are as priority: Scientific Name items Quantity 1. Homalopsis buccata Finished Skins pcs. Homalopsis buccata Finished Skins 1 kg. Homalopsis buccata Products pcs. 2. Enhydris bocourti Finished Skins 5832 pcs. Enhydris bocourti Products 5690 pcs. 3. Lapemis hardwickii Finished Skins 543 pcs. Lapemis hardwickii Products 8683 pcs. 4. Acrochordus javanicus Finished Skins 41 pcs. Acrochordus javanicus Finished Skins sq.ft. Acrochordus javanicus Products 24 pcs. 5. Lapemis hardwickii + Homalopsis buccata Products 184 pcs. Finished Total Skins/Products 87,401 pcs.

6 6 Control we measures and management programs for specimens harvested in the wild We control only the cobra (Naja kauthia) for harvesting in the wild by prescribed quotas for full skin 2,000 pieces and for products 1,100 pieces. Another specimens if there are protected species we do not allow to harvest them, except 4 species that harvested from captive breeding. Product systems For the example of the Srisatchanalai Python Farm, Northern Thailand. They practice captive-bred and ranching systems. The farm was established in year 2000.In this farm they raise 6 species of snakes namely, (1) Reticulate Python (2) Molurus Python (3) Masked Water Snake (4) Common Water Snake (5) Elephant s Trunk Snake (6) Rainbow Water Snake They employed about 50 workers to keep of snakes in the farm. The wage of workers is cost 80 US$/Day. They can sale finished skins of Python 40 US$/Meter. The Farm earn income 45,000 US$/Month. Examples of good practice in ensuring legal, sustainable trade ASEAN Wildlife Enforcement Network ASEAN Wildlife Enforcement Network (ASEAN-WEN) stands for the association of Southeast Asian Nations Wildlife Enforcement Network. It is the world largest wildlife law enforcement network that involve police, customs and environment agencies of all ten ASEAN countries. The Network was established in year 2005 (base in Bangkok) is to promote networking among law enforcement authorities in ASEAN countries to curb illegal trade in wild fauna and flora by (i)establishing inter-agency committees at national levels to ensure coordination and collaboration between law enforcement official on trade in wild fauna and flora (ii) establishing and ASEAN Wildlife Enforcement Network for exchange of law enforcement information regarding trade in wild fauna and flora, and to coordinate regional participation in the INTERPOL Wildlife Crime Working Group; (iii) promoting collaborative capacity-building efforts for improved law enforcement. Wildlife Trade Regulation Course (WTRC) Southeast Asia is a global hotspot for the poaching, trafficking and consumption of illegal wildlife part and products. Among the reasons are the region s high biodiversity, well-established smuggling routes and accessible transport links. Moreover, illegal wildlife dealers utilize well established and highly organized cross-border networks Much of the early work of Thailand WEN has been directed at building capacity through the training of enforcement officers. One of the training courses which has been developed aims to educate officers on the importance of fighting wildlife crime and the ways in which the wildlife trade should be regulated. The Wildlife Trade Regulation Course has been organized at Suvahnnabhumi International Airport and Hat Yai International Airport. It is proposed that this training would focus on the major airport/ports by building capacity amongst a large number of staff at the same time so that there is critical mass of informed enforcement officers at the large locations. In this way it is hoped to effectively shut these locations to wildlife trafficking.

7 Other relevant topics The Thai People and Their Snakes 7 The attitudes of the people of Thailand toward snakes are generally similar to that of most other people of the world. Most Thai are unable to distinguish between the venomous and the nonvenomous, and assume that any snake they encounter is venomous and they may be kill a snake. Since there is a large market for snakes and snake products in Thailand, many are caught and marketed. Many of snakes were killed for their skins. Some of them also were killed and eaten as the blood and certain other parts of the snake are thought to have desirable effect on the human body. There is a growing awareness that many types of snakes prey primarily upon rodents. Unfortunately, the snake product industries are generally unregulated, and continue to take a heavy toll upon the snake population. The King Cobra Snakes Village (Snake for ecotourism) Located in Northeast of Thailand, since year 1950,the villagers has raised cobras to promote for medicinal herb trade. Then, because of the cobra spited its venomous to clients, so in year 1993, they decided to change from cobra to king cobra. Now, they develop the activity of man fighting with king cobra for ecotourism. They are 115 households concerned on this activity. They have more than 250 heads of king cobra and more than 100 heads of other snakes. This is to demonstrate that we can utilize snakes not only for trade, but also for ecotourism, as well.

8 8 ANNEX Status of Listed of Snakes Species that being used for Trade in Thailand and Export Common Name Scientific Name Status 1. Sunbeam Snake Xenopeltis unicolor Protected spp. 2. Asiatic Rock Python Python molurus bivittatus Protected spp. / App.II 3. Reticulated Python Python reticulatus Protected spp. / App.II 4. Blood Python Python curtus Protected spp. / App.II 5. Copperhead Racer Elaphe radiata Protected spp. 6. Indochinese Rat Snake Ptyas korros Protected spp. 7. Common Rat Snake Ptyas mucosus Protected spp. / App.II 8. King Cobra Ophiophagus hannah Protected spp. / App.II 9. Elephant s Trunk Snake Acrochordus javanicus Non-CITES 10. Mangrove Snake Boiga dendrophila Non-CITES 11. Common Water Snake Enhydris bocourti Non-CITES 12. Rainbow Water Snake Enhydris enhydris Non-CITES 13. Masked Water Snake Homalopsis buccata Non-CITES 14. Common Salt Water Snake Cerberus rhynchops App.III 15. Banded Krait Bungarus fasciatus Non-CITES 16. Monocled Cobra Naja kaouthia App.II 17. Hardwicke s Sea Snake Lapemis hardwickii Non-CITES 18. Russel s Viper Vipera russellii App.III

9 9 Distributions of Listed of Snakes Species that being used for Trade in Thailand and Export Scientific Name Xenopeltis unicolor Python molurus bivittatus Python reticulatus Python curtus Elaphe radiata Ptyas korros Ptyas mucosus Ophiophagus hannah Acrochordus javanicus Boiga dendrophila Enhydris bocourti Enhydris enhydris Homalopsis buccata Cerberus rhynchops Bungarus fasciatus Naja kaouthia Lapemis hardwickii Vipera russellii Habitats lowland wetlands to evergreen forest lowland wetlands to evergreen forest lowland wetlands to evergreen forest lowland evergreen forest beach forest to hill forest, including urban areas such as parks and garden, paddy fields and other crop plantations agricultural areas to hill forest agricultural areas to hill forest evergreen forest freshwater wetlands evergreen forest, usually found on bushes and trees consumed birds and small mammals canals, rivers, swamps, ponds and lakes including reservoirs canals, rivers, swamps, ponds and lakes including reservoirs Inhabits canals, rivers, swamps, ponds and lakes including reservoirs mud flat and mangrove area lowland wetland to lowland evergreen forest, usually found near water bodies. It consumes water snakes lowland wetland to lowland evergreen forest Usually found in paddy field sea and ocean lowland paddy fields

10 10 Near Threatened Status of snakes of Thailand Scientific Name Acrochordus javanicus Boiga sangsomi Chrysopelea paradisi paradisi Chrysopelea pelias Dryocalamus thungsongensis Lycodon cadammensis Oreophis porphyraceus coxi Oreophis porphyraceus porphyraceus Pseudorhabdion longiceps Ptyas fuscus Opisthotropis praemaxillaris Opisthotropis spenceri Parahelicops boonsongi Bungarus flaviceps flaviceps Calliophis bivirgatus flaviceps Calliophis intestinalis lineata Calliophis maculiceps Sinomicrurus macclelandi macclelandi Trimeresurus (Trimeresurus) borneensis Trimeresurus (Parias) sumatranus Tropidolaemus wagleri Habitats Inhabits freshwater wetlands, found on palm tree Inhabits hill forest and caves nearby Inhabits hill streams in evergreen forest Inhabits hill streams in evergreen forest Inhabits hill streams in evergreen forest, usually found near forest stream up to 1,200 m, including peat swamp forest. It is usually found on forest ground or the base of tree buttress, including swampy forest

11 11 Endemic Status of snakes of Thailand Scientific Name Typhlops floweri Typhlops khoratensis Typhlops ozakiae Typhlops roxanae Typhlops siamensis Typhlops trangensis Boiga sangsomi Dryocalamus thungsongensis Gongylosoma baliodeirus cochranae Oreophis porphyraceus coxi Sibynophis triangularis Amphiesma deschaunseei Amphiesma groundwateri Trimeresurus (Cryptelytrops) kanburiensis Habitats, including parks and gardens, usually found under rotten logs, usually found under rotten logs Unknown Unknown, usually found under rotten logs, found on palm tree In Loei, it was observed while consuming a mole Inhabits hill streams in evergreen forest Inhabits hill streams in evergreen forest Inhabits deciduous and evergreen forest, This species was rediscovered by Warrell et al.(1992) from the bamboo forest at Nong Bu Wa after the first discovery 50 years