Snakes

Southeast Asia is home to a wide diversity of snake species occuring in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Borneo, Indonesia, Philippines and everywhere else in this region. Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo alone are home to possibly more than 200 different species of snakes that occupy all levels of tropical rainforest. These snake come in a kaleidoscope of colours with a wide range of shapes and sizes. Snakes also play an important ecological role in preserving the natural environment through their predatory role of feeding on frogs, lizards, mammals, fish, insects and even other snakes.

Take snakes away from the equation and you would distrupt the food chain, causing a population explosion of creatures at the bottom of the scale. Even in urban habitats such as the city, snakes help control pests such as feral rats and house geckos. Hopefully with education, snakes will be appreciated by everyone for their colourful yet important role in preserving the vast natural ecosystem, while adding diversity to our rainforest and wildlife.

Contrary to popular imagination, snakes are a secretive species that will not disturb people if left alone. Hence, the hysteria and fear often attributed to the presence of snakes is unfounded and ignorant. Killing snakes for no reason other then to avoid getting bitten is complete ignorance at its worst. The plight of snakes in Southeast Asia needs to be recognised so that people will not kill these creatures based simply on malicious imagination.