Life-history of masked water snakes (Homalopsis buccata) in Java: implications for the sustainability of harvesting

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Context Masked water snakes (Homalopsis buccata, Homalopsidae) thrive in the muddy edges of agricultural ponds and canals in densely populated areas of West Java, Indonesia, and are harvested by local farmers to protect fish stocks and to provide meat, skins, and medicines for commercial use. Aims Here, we aimed to quantify sexual dimorphism and reproductive biology of H. buccata, so as to deepen our knowledge of the species’ inherent ability to withstand commercial harvests. Methods We examined carcasses of 4286 snakes at six processing sites to quantify biological attributes (e.g. sexual dimorphism in body size and shape, seasonality of reproduction, fecundity, reproductive frequency), with emphasis on traits that affect the ability of snake populations to withstand this intensive harvesting. Key results The snakes we examined were primarily adults (<1% juvenile), with approximately equal numbers of males and females except in January (when females comprised >90% of specimens). Females grow larger than males, and they are more heavy-bodied but shorter-tailed than are males of the same snout–vent length. Reproduction is seasonal in both sexes, with testis volumes decreasing to a minimum over the period August to November (late dry season) when most adult-size females were gravid. Litter sizes ranged from 1 to 37 (mean 12), increasing with maternal body size, with ~75% of females reproducing each year. Conclusions On the basis of these results, we infer that the life history of H. buccata (viviparity, high fecundity, frequent reproduction, rapid maturation) renders it inherently resilient to harvesting, especially because that offtake is based on males as well as females. Because a lack of sustainability is evident only in hindsight, regular monitoring of the trade could assure that any problems are detected rapidly. Implications To further buffer these populations from the impact of harvest, hunting could be restricted during January (a time when gravid females are disproportionately vulnerable) and the largest snakes (females, with high fecundity and reproductive frequency) could be excluded from harvests.