The Diel Activity Pattern of Indian Python (Python molurus molurus linn) at Keoladeo National Park and Some Factors Influencing it

Abstract

This study investigated die] activity pattern of Indian python (Python moJurus molurus Linn) at Keoladeo National Park Bharatpur. The study was conducted in an intensive study area of 0.5 Sq Km selected after pre sampling survey in the park. The methodology involved to estimate activity pattern of pythons was monitoring of a permanent transect every four hours, on diel basis, to record python’s tracks and sightings. The diel variations in temperature, humidity, burrow microclimate, prey activity and prey abundance were also quantified along with diel activity pattern of python. Results show a shift in diel activity pattern with seasons. The activity pattern of pythons was diurnal in winter, uniform throughout spring and bimodal crepuscular in summer. There was no significant correlation between python activity and other factors quantified, though temperature and humidity affected the diel activity pattern considerably. The microclimate variation gradient existing between outside and inside burrow possibly play an important role in occupation of the burrow and this in time influence the surface diel activity pattern. The shift in the diel activity is attributed to seasonal change in the abiotic factors. No relationship between prey abundance and activity pattern could be established possibly because python’s ability to go with out food during the cool season. Other factors not quantified during this study like reproductive behavior, body size and biotic disturbances are suspected to be responsible for the observed diel activity pattern of pythons. It is concluded that the diel activity pattern of pythons in KNP is not influenced by just one factor but is a manifestation of a combination of various abiotic, biotic and endogenous factors. A temperature sensitive telemetry study would help further in investigating the ecological aspects of this cryptic species.