Buggin with Bridgey
August 2024
Buggin with Bridgey is a Monthly report of sightings from the Let’s Go Buggin Tours, which resides in the Botanic Gardens, Cairns, Queensland, Australia. A few times a year however, the Buggin Tour ventures to Sumatra, Indonesia, South East Asia for a adventure like no other on a Photography Expedition.
Snakes of Sumatra
Sumatra, a land of dense rainforests, towering volcanoes, and rich biodiversity, is home to some of the most fascinating and diverse snake species in the world. This island in Indonesia, often shrouded in mist and mystery, offers a unique habitat where these reptiles thrive. From the elusive and venomous pit vipers to the majestic and powerful pythons, the snakes of Sumatra play a crucial role in the ecosystem, embodying both the beauty and danger of the wild. In this blog, I’ll feature snake photos from the recent Sumatra Photography Expedition in August 2024.
Eight-Striped Kukri Snake (Oligodon octolineatus)
The Eight-Striped Kukri Snake (Oligodon octolineatus) is a small yet distinctive species found in the forests and lowland areas of Sumatra. Named for the eight dark stripes that run the length of its body, this snake has a unique appearance, with its reddish-brown or orange coloration adding to its striking pattern. The Kukri Snake is named after the kukri knife, a traditional weapon from South Asia, due to its specialized, curved teeth that it uses to slice into eggs, its primary food source. Though non-venomous and generally harmless to humans, the Eight-Striped Kukri Snake plays a vital role in controlling insect and small vertebrate populations.
Eight-Striped Kukri Snake (Oligodon octolineatus)
Spotted Keelback (Xenochrophis maculatus)
The Spotted Keelback, scientifically known as Xenochrophis maculatus, is a lesser-known but fascinating snake species that inhabits the wetlands and rivers of Sumatra. This non-venomous snake is distinguished by its slender body, olive to brown coloration, and distinctive dark spots that run along its back, providing excellent camouflage in its aquatic surroundings. The Spotted Keelback is an adept swimmer and is often found hunting for fish, frogs, and other small aquatic creatures. Despite its relatively modest size, this snake plays a crucial role in the ecosystem by controlling the populations of its prey. Known for its shy and reclusive nature, this was an absolutely lovely and very special encounter on our very first night walk around our accommodation during the August Photography Expedion.
Spotted Keelback (Xenochrophis maculatus)
Reticulated Python (Malayopython reticulatus)
Among the many snakes that call Sumatra home, the Reticulated Python stands out as one of the most remarkable. Known for its incredible length, vibrant patterns, and powerful presence, the Reticulated Python is not only the longest snake in the world but also one of the most iconic. These magnificent creatures, often found slithering through the dense jungles and waterways of Sumatra, are a marvel of nature’s design. Their intricate, net-like patterning gives them their name and provides excellent camouflage in their natural habitat. This was my second encounter with this species in Sumatra, and this time we saw it during our night walk on the night camping in the jungle.
Reticulated Python (Malayopython reticulatus)
Wagler’s Pit Viper (Tropidolaemus wagleri)
This species seems to be very common, and we usually see at least 5 in the accommodation grounds. Wagler’s Pit Viper, a stunning yet venomous inhabitant of Sumatra’s lush rainforests, is a snake that commands both awe and respect. With its striking green coloration in both sexes while in the juvenile stage, and the adult males. The females are the boss of their terrain with their much larger bodies and deathly serious faces. Known for its characteristic triangular head and heat-sensing pits, Wagler’s Pit Viper is a master ambush predator, lying in wait among the branches for unsuspecting prey. Despite its relatively small size, this viper’s potent venom is a powerful tool for subduing birds and small mammals. Revered in local folklore and feared for its bite, Wagler’s Pit Viper exemplifies the mysterious and dangerous beauty of Sumatra’s reptilian fauna.
Wagler’s Pit Viper (Tropidolaemus wagleri) juvenile (above) and mature female (below).
Keeled Slug Snake (Pareas carinatus)
The Keeled Slug Snake (Pareas carinatus) is a small, nocturnal snake and is distinguished by the keeled scales on its body, giving it a rough texture. As its name suggests, the Keeled Slug Snake primarily feeds on slugs and snails, using its uniquely adapted jaw structure to extract prey from their shells with remarkable precision. Unlike many other snakes, Keeled Slug Snake has a gentle disposition and poses no threat to humans, making it a fascinating subject for herpetologists and nature enthusiasts alike. We usually see at least one of these each expedition session.
Keeled Slug Snake (Pareas carinatus)
Western Mangrove Cat Snake (Boiga melanota)
The Western Mangrove Cat Snake (Boiga melanota) is a striking and formidable predator that inhabits the mangrove forests and coastal areas of Sumatra. This snake, with its sleek black or dark brown body accented by faint, lighter bands, is perfectly adapted to its arboreal lifestyle, often seen coiled around branches or gliding through the dense vegetation of mangrove swamps. Known for its large eyes and cat-like vertical pupils, this nocturnal hunter is highly effective at catching its prey, which includes birds, small mammals, and other reptiles. The Western Mangrove Cat Snake is mildly venomous, using its rear fangs to subdue prey, though it poses little danger to humans unless provoked. Its ability to thrive in the challenging and dynamic environment of mangroves speaks to the adaptability and resilience of this species.
Western Mangrove Cat Snake (Boiga melanota)
I hope you enjoyed seeing some of the examples of snakes in Sumatra. If you would like to take a deeper dive into some other reptile encounters you can check out my Let’s Go Buggin Sumatra Project on iNaturalist here.
Keen for a Let’s Go Buggin Tour? Use ‘BRIDGEYBLOG’ as the coupon code for 15% discount on your tour booking here.
Next Blog in late September.
🐍 📸 💚
Bridgette
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