Jyoti Thakur and Harinder Singh Banyal
Abstract
The present study provides the first systematic assessment of reptilian diversity from Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary, a mid-Himalayan protected area of Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India. Field surveys were conducted from 2023 to 2025 using Visual Encounter Surveys (VES) and opportunistic observations. A total of seven reptilian species belonging to five families under the order Squamata were recorded. Colubridae was the dominant family represented by three species. Sibynophis collaris and Asymblepharus himalayanus exhibited broader distribution within the sanctuary, whereas Varanus bengalensis showed restricted distribution. The low reptilian diversity observed in the sanctuary associated climatic and elevational constraints typical of Himalayan ecosystems. Reptilian richness varied among different forest beats and was influenced by habitat heterogeneity, rocky microhabitats, moisture availability, and thermal conditions. Carnivorous species dominated the reptilian assemblage within the sanctuary ecosystem. Although all recorded species fall under the Least Concern category of the IUCN Red List, Varanus bengalensis and Ptyas mucosa receive legal protection under Schedule I and Schedule II, respectively, of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The present study provides important information for future ecological monitoring and conservation planning in the Western Himalaya.