Description
Data Records
The data in this occurrence resource has been published as a Darwin Core Archive (DwC-A), which is a standardized format for sharing biodiversity data as a set of one or more data tables. The core data table contains 78 records.
1 extension data tables also exist. An extension record supplies extra information about a core record. The number of records in each extension data table is illustrated below.
This IPT archives the data and thus serves as the data repository. The data and resource metadata are available for download in the downloads section. The versions table lists other versions of the resource that have been made publicly available and allows tracking changes made to the resource over time.
Versions
The table below shows only published versions of the resource that are publicly accessible.
How to cite
Researchers should cite this work as follows:
Bilaskar M, Pujari B (2024). Snakes of Savitribai Phule Pune University Campus. Version 1.3. Alive Charitable Trust, Pune. Occurrence dataset. https://cloud.gbif.org/asia/resource?r=snakes_of_sppu&v=1.3
Rights
Researchers should respect the following rights statement:
The publisher and rights holder of this work is Alive Charitable Trust, Pune. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY 4.0) License.
GBIF Registration
This resource has been registered with GBIF, and assigned the following GBIF UUID: 3d3b2918-43ae-4b8f-867b-71e12bd07fc8. Alive Charitable Trust, Pune publishes this resource, and is itself registered in GBIF as a data publisher endorsed by Participant Node Managers Committee.
Keywords
Occurrence; Snakes; Human-wildlife-conflict; Rescue; Observation
Contacts
- Metadata Provider ●
- Originator ●
- Point Of Contact
- Department of Environmental Science
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7600-8955
- Metadata Provider ●
- Custodian Steward
Geographic Coverage
Savitribai Phule Pune University
| Bounding Coordinates | South West [18.545, 73.822], North East [18.56, 73.831] |
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Taxonomic Coverage
Snakes of different families.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Reptilia |
| Order | Squamata |
| Family | Uropeltidae, Viperidae, Elapidae, Typhlopidae, Colubridae |
Temporal Coverage
| Start Date / End Date | 2019-01-18 / 2021-12-22 |
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Project Data
The project focuses on the analysis of multiple datasets related to human-wildlife encounters. By examining these datasets, we aim to uncover patterns, trends, and correlations that shed light on the complex dynamics between humans and wildlife. The insights gained from this analysis will contribute to a better understanding of human-wildlife coexistence and inform effective conservation strategies.
| Title | ALIVE Human-Wildlife encounters |
|---|---|
| Identifier | alive-human-wildlife-encounters |
| Study Area Description | Savitribai Phule Pune University |
| Design Description | This study employs a descriptive observational design to document and analyze the diversity of snake species within the Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) campus over a three-year period (2019–2021). Data collection, solely done by the first author (MB), relied on opportunistic searches and rescue operations, systematically recording snake encounters reported by campus residents and security personnel. Each encounter was documented with details such as species identification, location, date, and seasonal variations. Snakes were safely captured using standard tools, photographed, and identified using established taxonomic references. Post-identification, they were released into suitable habitats. The study design prioritizes two key objectives: first, to compile a comprehensive checklist of snake species present within the campus, and second, to analyze patterns in their encounters, including frequency, seasonal trends, and proximity to human settlements. By combining observational data with rescue records, the design ensures a robust dataset capturing both natural and human-induced interactions. The study also considers the influence of habitat alterations, such as urbanization and construction activities, to contextualize the observed patterns. This design enables an integrative understanding of snake diversity and its conservation implications in an urban setting. The first author (MB) is a snake rescuer assigned by the Maharashtra Forest Department and Katraj Snake Park, Pune, to conduct rescue operations in a specific area of the city. The second author (BP) contributed to data processing, management, metadata handling and overall project coordination. |
The personnel involved in the project:
Sampling Methods
The sampling methodology for this study was based on opportunistic encounters and rescue operations within the Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) campus between January 2019 and December 2021. This approach involved recording data whenever snakes were encountered by campus residents, security personnel, or researchers during routine activities. The campus was treated as a single ecological unit, with observations spanning its diverse habitats, including green patches, water bodies, residential areas, and construction zones. Snakes reported by residents or security staff were included in the dataset if verified through direct rescue operations or photographic evidence. Contact information for the first author was distributed across departments and residential quarters to facilitate timely reporting of snake sightings. Systematic documentation of each encounter included species identification, location, date, and relevant environmental conditions (e.g., season). Given the opportunistic nature of the sampling, the data does not represent a structured or exhaustive survey. Instead, it reflects the naturally occurring interactions between snakes and humans within the campus environment. Unattended or unreported sightings, as well as snakes deemed harmless by residents, were not included, making the dataset a conservative estimate of the actual snake diversity in the area. This sampling strategy provides valuable insights into the frequency and distribution of snake encounters, particularly in human-dominated landscapes, while acknowledging the inherent limitations of opportunistic sampling.
| Study Extent | An 400 acre area of Savitribai Phule Pune University in the metropolitan city of Pune, India. It is defined by diverse changes in habitat from lush green during the rains and brown after the rains recedes. The university campus flora is typically dry mixed deciduous type due to high diurnal temperature range. The campus also represents few water bodies in the form of lakes, streams and temporary wetlands that plays a pivotal role considering ecological significance of this area. The area receives about 1000 mm precipitation/year, prevalently during monsoon months of June, July, August and September. The synoptic climatology and the topography of the city are conducive to sustain good diversity of snakes for that reason. |
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| Quality Control | Quality control was rigorously maintained throughout this study to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data. Snake species were identified using established taxonomic references such as *Whitaker & Captain (2008)*, *Deoras (1965)*, and *Khaire (2010)*. Key morphological features, coloration, and behavioral traits were closely examined, and photographs were taken for record-keeping and cross-verification. The primary researcher and assistants were trained in proper snake handling and identification techniques, employing professional tools like snake hooks and cotton bags to minimize stress on the animals and ensure human safety. Reports from residents and security personnel were verified through direct observation or photographic evidence before being included in the dataset. Ambiguous or unverified reports were excluded to maintain the reliability of the findings. Data for each encounter, such as species, date, location, and environmental context, were systematically recorded using a standardized format immediately after rescues to minimize errors or omissions. Sightings not verified by the research team were excluded to ensure the dataset contained only confirmed observations. Periodic reviews and cross-checks of the data were conducted, using photographic evidence and field notes, to identify and resolve any inconsistencies. Taxonomic identifications were also cross-validated with secondary sources when necessary. Habitat-specific analysis was performed to evaluate encounter trends in relation to different habitat types, such as green patches and residential areas. Anomalies or outliers in the data were investigated further to ensure consistency. |
Method step description:
- A snake is sighted by campus residents, security personnel, or the research team. Alternatively, a report is received via designated communication channels (e.g., phone or direct contact).
- The sighting is verified through direct observation or photographic evidence to confirm the presence of the snake. The research team ensures that the report is reliable before proceeding.
- If the snake poses a potential risk or is within human habitation, it is safely captured using professional tools such as snake hooks and cotton bags. Care is taken to minimize disturbance to the snake and ensure the safety of the handlers.
- The snake is identified using key morphological features, coloration, and behavior, cross-referenced with taxonomic guides such as Whitaker & Captain (2008). Photographs are taken to document the encounter.
- Data Recording: - Detailed information is systematically logged, including: - Date and time of the observation - Location of the sighting - Species name (scientific and common) - Habitat type (e.g., green patch, residential area) - Environmental conditions, if relevant (e.g., weather, season)
- After identification and recording, the snake is released, if captured, into a suitable habitat to ensure its safety and minimize stress.
- The recorded data is reviewed and cross-verified with photographs and field notes to ensure accuracy and consistency.
- The observation is added to the overall dataset, contributing to the comprehensive checklist of snake encounters over the study period.
Additional Metadata
| Introduction | India boasts an incredible diversity of over 270 snake species, making up approximately 9% of the world's snake population (Uetz et al., 2022). The richness of this reptilian fauna has been acknowledged for over a century, with 264 species documented by Boulenger in 1890 and 258 species recorded by Das in 1996. This diversity is ecologically significant but increasingly threatened by relentless habitat destruction and urban expansion driven by human economic activities. Studies by Achard et al. (2002) and Jenkins (2003) reveal that deforestation, fires, soil erosion, agrochemical usage, and inadequate scientific understanding have led to alarming declines in biodiversity, as corroborated by subsequent research (Bambaradeniya et al., 2003; Pethiyagoda, 1994, 2007b). Globally, 22% of reptiles and 32.5% of amphibians are now endangered, with several species already declared extinct (Dirzo & Raven, 2003). Amid this backdrop of environmental degradation, India's snake populations face turbulent futures. Establishing robust local and regional databases on snake species, their habitats, and distributions is critical for advancing conservation efforts and mitigating the impact of urbanization (Cooke, 2008). |
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| Getting Started | The dataset (one file) comprises records of snake encounters, detailing their length, conservation status according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and legal protection status under the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act (WLPA), 1972. |
| Purpose | The primary objective of this study is to systematically document the snake diversity within the Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) campus, focusing on species frequently encountered in both natural and human-altered habitats. By analyzing data collected over three years (2019–2021) from opportunistic sightings and rescue operations, the study aims to establish a comprehensive checklist of snake species. It further explores the influence of urbanization, such as habitat destruction and increased construction activities, on the encounter rates and movement patterns of these reptiles. Through this research, the study seeks to highlight the importance of conserving urban biodiversity and proposes strategies to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts while ensuring habitat protection. |
| Alternative Identifiers | https://cloud.gbif.org/asia/resource?r=snakes_of_sppu |