COLLECTION OF REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS FROM VARIOUS HABITAT TYPES IN DERA ISMAIL KHAN, KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Background
Herpetofaunal diversity is essential for ecological stability, yet remains understudied in several regions of Pakistan. This study was conducted to explore and document the diversity and distribution of reptiles and amphibians across various habitat types in Dera Ismail Khan (DI Khan), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Methods
From March to October 2024, extensive field surveys were conducted in five distinct habitat types: agricultural fields, scrublands, riverbanks, sandy deserts, and urban environments. Data collection methods included Visual Encounter Surveys (VES), pitfall traps, and manual collection during both day and night to ensure comprehensive sampling.

Results
A total of 28 species representing 19 genera and 11 families were recorded, including 19 reptilian and 9 amphibian species. Among reptiles, families such as Agamidae, Gekkonidae, Colubridae, and Viperidae were dominant, with notable species like Uromastyx hardwickii, Varanus bengalensis, Echis carinatus, and Eryx johnii. Amphibians mainly belonged to Bufonidae and Dicroglossidae, with common species including Duttaphrynus stomaticus and Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis. Agricultural and riparian zones exhibited the highest species richness due to favorable ecological conditions, while desert and urban habitats supported fewer species.

Conclusion
This study highlights the ecological significance and species richness of herpetofauna in Dera Ismail Khan. Habitat diversity greatly influences species distribution, and human-induced threats such as habitat destruction, pollution, and agricultural encroachment pose serious conservation challenges. The findings provide a foundational dataset for herpetofaunal biodiversity in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and emphasize the need for conservation planning, habitat preservation, and further ecological research in the region..