Guidebook on snakes in Peninsula, Singapore launched
Published on: Tuesday, November 12, 2019
By: Ottey Peter
KOTA KINABALU: A guidebook featuring over 160 species of snakes in Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore by British herpetologist Tom Charlton was launched, here, Monday.
The book, entitled “A Guide to Snakes of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore”, was published by Natural History Publication (Borneo) owned by Datuk CL Chan who was also involved in its publication.
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The book, which evolved considerably during the writing process, was initially discussed to be just a small pocket guide covering common and notable snake species in the Peninsula and Singapore, said Charlton at the book launch held at the Grandis Hotel, here.
“Further conversations between Chan and I, along with some rather obsessive research and writing, saw it grow to become a comprehensive guide.
“Although it took me approximately two years to write, the book has really been 16 years in the making and it’s quite a wonderful for me to think that many of the observations and photographs that I have taken when I was a young amateur enthusiast in my teenage years have assisted me in this book’s completion,” he said.
Charlton, who have previously written a book entitle ‘King Cobra: Natural History and Captive Management’, said over 160 species can be found occupying most habitat types from hot and humid lowland rainforest to mountain summits, in and around towns and cities and even in the ocean.
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He said despite a great number of snake species being found in both countries, the diversity certainly does not equal to density and the activity of searching for snakes in the wild can be extremely frustrating and often reward-less task.
“I’ve personally spent a culmination of quite literally hundreds, possibly thousands of hours hiking through the forest, day and night, rain or shine in pursuit of my limbless quarry, much of the time without success.
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“I frequently find myself stood lost in forest at 3am, exhausted, covered in mud, soaking wet in the pouring rain, seriously questioning my choices to have pursued such as a career, supposedly for enjoyment. But ultimately, time and efforts create reward and any discomforts are quickly forgotten once we manage to turn up a snake,” he said.
He said the primary aim of the book is to introduce the reader to the snake fauna of Peninsula and Singapore, and to assist with their identification.
It is intended for use by a wide audience, from amateur enthusiasts to those working professionally with snakes, he added.
Chan, who is Managing Director of Natural History Publications (Borneo), said guide books are an indispensable tool for those working in the field, and ‘A Guide to Snakes of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore’ has been written in a manner that is accessible to both amateur enthusiasts and professional zoologists working with snakes.
He said by that using diagnostic keys, detailed descriptions and excellent photographs to assist with the identification of snakes that may be encountered in this region.
“Each account also serves to provide the reader with information on a snake species’ habits, including diet and reproduction.
“Prior to the species accounts, this book offers a general overview of snake ecology, conservation and procedures for venomous snakebite first aid and includes a brief introduction to the early study of snakes of the Malay Peninsula,” he said.
Meanwhile, President of the Gardening Society Singapore, Tan Jiew Hoe said that many of Singapore’s snakes have adapted to living within highly-urbanised areas and common species such as the reticulated python, bronzebacks and the highly venomous spitting cobra can be frequently spotted in and around the parks and gardens scattered around the city, as well as occasionally turning up in homes and business premises.
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