Magliophis stahli. Photo taken by Eric Torres
Herpetologists (biologists specializing in the study of reptiles and amphibians) have recently expressed how the lack of attention to reptiles has resulted in a lack of data on the population of some species inhabiting the area. Consequently, the late biologist, Juan A. Rivero, emphasized in his book Lizards and Snakes of Puerto Rico (2006), The reptile preservation reports have not had the same importance as those of the Puerto Rican parrot and the coquí. For this reason, the conservation status of many of the reptile species that are native to Puerto Rico is unknown, such as the Magliophis stahli (Garden Snake of Puerto Rico) and the Magliophis exiguus (Virgin Islands Garden Snake).
Adolfo Rodríguez Velázquez
“In effect, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has as its main goal to Least Concern at Magliophis. As such, in terms of herpetofauna and research in Puerto Rico and the Antilles, it must be said, are reduced,” said the president of Proyecto Serpientes en Puerto Rico (PSPR), Adolfo Rodríguez Velázquez.
There is a controversy here in the distribution of scientific data, since, although there is a lack of research related to snake species in the Antilles, they are still categorized with the same standard as other organisms that have a more established demography.
“Everything you have of her (Magliophis), are observations, personal communications, people who have been working and who then have these encounters with the species. But there is no specific research, focused on the species as such, and that is why there is a deficiency of data,” he added.
Unfortunately, the attitude of snakes, in general, has “contributed” to the lack of information. Since, these organisms usually live “in cryptic lands”, making the work of herpetologists even more complicated.
Rio Grande Territorial Plan (2010) (Table 12, critical faunal elements), presents M. exiguus (formerly A. exiguum) as “data deficient”.”
“I would tell you that I haven't seen that many. Magliophis and field work. My thesis study was focused on the Borikenophis (racer snake) and one of my study areas is the Cambalache State Forest. I have, in about three years, more than 300 Borikenophis marked, but Magliophis, In that forest, I've seen three in my life,” he said.
Why is there a lack of concern?
Following the categorization of the IUCN and the decision taken not to include the Magliophis in the document of Puerto Rico State Wildlife Action Plan causes the current status of the genus to be in a dubious position, however, there are explanations that justify the classifications of the snakes.
“There are no formal estimates of the species (M. stahli and M. exiguus)”even so, we cannot be conclusive and say that the species is rare, endangered and declining, because we do not have the data on the species,“ said Professor Alberto R. Puente Colón.
The professor recommended that, given the lack of studies and information on the species, the snake should be looked at from the point of view of natural threats, such as deforestation, predation and environmental pollution.
Borikenophis portoricensis. Photo taken by PSPR
“We have enough continuous forests to sustain them (Magliophis), are there any threats present and is it suffering from any kind of excessive predation? Possibly not. So, if the conditions do not change and the forest is there and the detection exists, then possibly we don't have to worry that it is diminishing,” he commented.
Regarding the concern that the reptile is categorized as a Least Concern (under minor concern) instead of Data Deficient (data deficient), the professor presented a problem with the lack of professionals focused on herpetology-related studies in Puerto Rico.
“No one has raised the concern that there is a decline in the population, along that there has been no formal study to determine if the species needs help. This may be one reason why the IUCN marked it that way. In addition, the Magliophis has a very wide distribution on the island, although it is not so easy to find,” he added.
Prof. Alberto R. Puente Colón
Contrary to the PSPR president's searches, Puente Colón has had more contact with the species.
“I was at a site in Toa Baja for three days and I could see about ten individuals, so is that a lot or a little? We don't know. In nature, not all species have to be so common, there are some that are rare, and so are their ways of existing, but in the terms of the Magliophis, Adolfo works during the day, mainly in search of the Borikenophis, They are more diurnal than nocturnal, and possibly this species prefers the night more,” he said.
Another reason why no concern has been raised about the garden snake is because of the increase in the volume of forests in Puerto Rico.
“In fact, the increase signals to us that there are more habitats available for the species. One could, being thus an ecological conservationist, say that the Magliophis does not need to be declared as endangered or protected. Rather, it needs to be monitored and studied in order to know and be able to identify when a problem occurs and be able to save it,” he concluded.
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