CONSERVATION THREATS TO DICE SNAKES (NATRIX TESSELLATA) IN GOLEM GRAD ISLAND (FYR OF MACEDONIA)
2014
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Most conservation efforts are channeled toward highly endangered
species. However, snake populations decline rapidly worldwide, and many
species that are currently classified as not threatened (e.g. LC - least
concern, IUCN Red List) may well rapidly fall into the threatened
categories. Yet, common species attract little attention. The principle,
that it is more efficient to prevent disasters than to cure effects, is
not taken into account. Dice Snakes (Natrix tessellata) offer a typical
example of this situation. This species is one of the most widespread
and polymorphic snake of the planet. Very large populations occur in the
Balkans. On Golem Grad Island (the single island of FYR of Macedonia), a
remarkable population of Dice Snakes suffers from recent assaults.
Thousands of snakes are killed every year in the nets set by poachers,
notably gravid females, raising population viability concerns.
Protecting Dice Snakes, other reptiles (e.g. tortoises, vipers, and
lizards) and the whole eco-system of Golem Grad Island would require
moderate efforts: application of official rules, summer attendance,
delivery of official permits to local people (including fishermen), and
controlling tourism. In this paper, we addressed a central issue: does
illegal fishing represent a potential threat to Dice Snakes? Our data
suggest that recent increase of illegal fishing correlates with
population decline.