Due to urbanization hitting up in Penang and the generally bad impression the public has of snakes, snakes have been dying off at alarming numbers. Snakes losing their habitat often find new snake dens in gardens, chicken pens or basements. This puts snakes in danger of coming into contact with humans as almost all such encounters will result in the snakes being killed on sight. There have been instances where snakes “trespass” on human habitations causing some destruction and having their heads smashed off as a result. Vigilante such as this can be avoided if people are more aware of snake behaviours. The general consensus is fear, people kill to protect themselves from what they see as threats.

Despite appearances, snakes are quite harmless. Most snakes are not venomous and would escape rather than attack when confronted with humans. Let us in this day look at our slithery friends in a different glance as Penang Butterfly Farm celebrates World Snake Day with our gliding pals in enclosure!

Mangrove Snake

Also known as Cat-eyed snakes, they are generally thin, long bodied with large heads and large eyes. They vary greatly in pattern and color. Many species have banding, but some are spotted and some are solid coloured. Colours are normally black, brown, or green with white or yellow accents.
They are primarily arboreal, nocturnal snakes that prey on various species of lizards, birds, and rodents. Their venom toxicity differs from species to species, but it is not considered life threatening to humans.

Wagler’s Pit Viper

One of the venomous pit viper species native to Southeast Asia, they are sometimes referred to as the temple vipers due to their abundance in the Temple of Azure Cloud in Malaysia. These tree dwellers are active at night and appear sluggish as they remain motionless for long periods of time waiting for preys to pass by. Nevertheless when preys do pass by or of disturbed, they can strike quickly. Their primary diet consists of rodents, birds, and lizards. The pits on the sides of the head are capable of detecting temperature difference of as little as 0.003 degree Celsius. Their venom is non fatal to humans.

Red – tailed Racer

Red – tailed Racers inhabit the tropical forests. These tree living snakes are active at day and spend the largest part of their life on trees. They have powerful, rough scales which are ideal for climbing and moving in trees. On their back, they have small, green smooth scales with red or brown tail and a dark line horizontal across its eyes. These types of snakes seldom descend on the ground and they feed almost exclusively on birds. When stressed, they may inflate a bag of air in its neck, making them appear larger in size.

Green Whip Snake

These snakes have enlarged teeth at the back of their jaws that can administer a rather painful bite. Lizards and birds form the mainstay of their diet. They are slender – about 2 cm thick, and have a length of about 1.5 to 2 meters. Their tails are long, used mostly to hold on to trees while reaching for preys. The green whip snakes have two larger teeth at the back of their mouth; these teeth will permit toxic saliva to penetrate wounds to immobilize prey which is then rapidly swallowed. Once the prey is completely in the snake’s body, the whip snake searches for a resting place – usually in the highest point of a tree. Their behaviour towards humans is neutral and the snake usually goes to the other end of the terrarium.

The Importance of Snakes:
Snakes are vital in controlling crops damaging preys such as rats and mice. Some, like the sea snakes and pythons, are caught extensively as food in Asia but, although most are probably edible, snakes are not widely hunted for their meat. Their skin though is used widely for belts, bags, and shoes. Venom is removed from snakes for use in treating certain diseases and to make antivenin for snakebites.

Snakes are one of the several groups of reptiles. They have long, slender bodies, no legs, no eyelids, no ears, and are covered in back-folded skin sections called scales. Like other reptiles, they use their surrounding heat to regulate their body temperature. Snakes’ flexible bodies allow them to stretch out to warm themselves, curl up to conserve body heat, or just warm a particular part of their bodies. They are found on land and in water, as well as in every habitat imaginable, except where it is very cold.

 

Do you know that some snakes can move faster than humans?
Black Mamba can travel at speeds up to 12 mph compared to the average human who can run at about 6-8 mph. However, snakes on the whole are slower than humans as they have less stamina.

Interesting Facts about Snakes:
• An angry snake often curls up in an *S’ shape
• If a cobra raises its head, it doesn’t mean it is angry, unless the angry cobra expands its head
• Snake’s eyes are covered by clear scales rather than movable eyelids; therefore, their eyes are always open
• Snakes have thermal vision, they see heat and movements
• Snakes cannot taste anything, and does not chew
• They repeatedly flick out their narrow, forked tongue to bring odours to their sense organ in the mouth
• Snakes might not eat also during shedding
• Snakes use Lateral Undulation, moving in wave like motion, in water and on land
• Viper on the other hand will side-wind or move its body segments in one direction while remaining contact with the ground

Hopefully with more awareness raised on our gliding cohabitants here, more compassion hence more lives can be spared on one of the most misunderstood creatures in our planet! HAPPY WORLD SNAKE DAY!

二零一零年四月十三号

夜探浮罗山背…

如果你是马来西亚人, 哪每当其他人一提起浮罗山背, 第一样浮现在脑海的肯定 是 “红虾”, “葫芦”,”长耳朵”, “11号” 或是近来最火热的 “林冠英” 。。。。

呷!哪是什么意思啊??

对啦! 这全都是槟城州最出名的榴櫣品种啦。。。

有朋自远方来, 不亦乐乎!! 我身为东道主, 当然要一尽地主之谊, 为朋友们张 罗吃喝玩乐一番。是晚, 尝完了“世界的尽头” 海鲜坊的海鲜餐后, 朋友说想探一 探浮罗山背的丛林。

呵呵呵! 是的! 你没听错!!我的朋友是要夜探浮罗山背的丛林!!

于是, 我只好call 齐人马,办好夜足装备, 一行7人浩浩荡荡的往浮罗山背的山林 出发。 晚间九点的山林, 凉意阵阵迎面袭来, 心情不觉轻松平静了下来, 只是四 周乌漆麻黑一片, 所谓今步不知前步路, 大家手拿着电筒, 排列成直线, 开启了 我们众乐乐的寻虫游戏。

穿行于5-6尺高的茅草间, 每步行一步,两 侧必发出吱沙吱沙茅草相互拍击的声音,期 间还不时夹有蟀鸣虫叫, 原始的青涩草味也 遍布四周, 这不就是大自然特有的味道吗?

一众人寻寻觅觅, 时不时都有所发现, 一会毛虫, 一会拦路虎甲, 一会小蛇盘卷 在枝头, 只可惜我们带去的相机没电, 所以没能把我们发现的猎物一一上载列明 与大家分享。

拨开茅草见什么？？？ 小蟋蟀， 小甲虫， 小蚱蜢咯 ；－）

鲜橘色的热带蛙， 体长只有3cm

细细长长的枝干怎会一直摇摆不停并有往上移动的感觉？是我们眼花还是？？？？？莫非。。。。。

哈哈！原来就是难得一见的足节虫啦， 而且这还是槟城最长的足节虫品种， Phobaeticus serratipes 呢！

在一众我们发现的物种当中, 我想特别介绍 蚰蜒这种生物:

蚰蜒

蚰蜒

为节肢动物的一种, 因外形与蜈蚣极为相像, 故常被人误认为 危险毒物。  蚰蜒俗称“钱串子“,古时称“草鞋虫”,有的地方称“香油虫”。蚰蜒 的前爪能分泌毒液,触及人体皮肤后即可致 局部疱疹,但不会致命。 它行动敏捷,多生活在房屋内外的阴 暗潮湿处,多捕猎蚊蛾等 小昆虫为主食。当蚰蜒的一部分步足被捉住的时 候,这部分步足就从身体 上断落下来,使身体可以 逃脱,这是蚰蜒逃避敌害 的一种适应。

本解取自百度百科。

七剑客

]]> http://miraclesofnature.org/310/feed/ 0 http://miraclesofnature.org/huge-nepenthes-growing-in-teluk-bahang/ http://miraclesofnature.org/huge-nepenthes-growing-in-teluk-bahang/#comments Wed, 27 Jan 2010 07:43:26 +0000 leppidio http://miraclesofnature.org/?p=222 A few days ago some huge Nepenthes were found growing in Teluk Bahang. So if you ever come to Teluk Bahang, don’t be shock to see large giant structures like this and the 3-horn rhino beetle at Penang Butterfly Farm. This structure shows 3 different species of Nepenthes (monkey cups) that we have in Malaysia [...]]]> A few days ago some huge Nepenthes were found growing in Teluk Bahang. So if you ever come to Teluk Bahang, don’t be shock to see large giant structures like this and the 3-horn rhino beetle at Penang Butterfly Farm.

This structure shows 3 different species of Nepenthes (monkey cups) that we have in Malaysia – Nepenthes albormaginata, Nepenthes ampullaria and Nepenthes gracilis.

In fact, there are just so many kinds of monkey cups in the wild. If you want to see various kinds of Nepenthes without going into a jungle, you can just come to our farm as we have plenty of species on display as we have at least 15-18 different species on display everyday. Some of the species that can be seen in our farm are (if you are lucky enough to spot them):

Nepenthes albomarginata
Nepenthes ampullaria
Nepenthes albo X ampu
Nepenthes sanguinea
Nepenthes rafflesiana
Nepenthes gracilis
Nepenthes gracillima
Nepenthes ampu X mira
Nepenthes anamensis
Nepenthes bellie
Nepenthes bicalcarata
Nepenthes distillatoria
Nepenthes eustachya
Nepenthes fusca
Nepenthes hirsuta
Nepenthes longifolia
Nepenthes mirabilis
Nepenthes veitchii
Nepenthes ventricosa
Nepenthes maxima
Nepenthes anamensis
Nepenthes sumatrana
Nepenthes sibuyanensis
Nepenthes bicalcarata
Nepenthes albomarginata
Nepenthes ampullaria
Nepenthes macfarlanei

WWF recently highlighted 1o popular species that are most threatened in the world, to be watched in 2010. The year 2010 has been declared The Year of Biodiversity by the United Nations. Many years back, governments had pledged to effectively reduce the rate biodiversity loss by 2010, but it seems the rate of loss of nature and its biodiversity is apparently at an alarming  rate and furthermore accelerating. So dear humans, what are we going to do about it? Are we looking at emitting more carbon, claiming more natural land, harvesting more from the forests and expanding our cities this year?

Here are some numbers and facts I summarised from WWF:

Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus) – too close to extinction.
Tiger (Panthera tigris) – only 3200 left.
Pacific Walrus  (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) – As temperatues rise, they lose their habitat. Hundreds die each year.
Magellanic Penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus) – Rapidly decreasing for the same reason for theWalrus.
Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus) – no numbers for this, but this is your tuna sushi served at every japanese restaurant.
Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus) – there are just too many insect species to list which are going into extinction.
Leatherback Turtle – only 2300 females left.
Mountain Gorilla – only 720 left.
Javan Rhinoceros – only 60 left.
Giant Panda – only 1600 left.

Planet Earth is in a phase called the The Sixth Great Extinction, where all the previous five extinctions were thought to have been caused by asteroids and the last was 65 million years ago. Unfortunately, this time’s great extinction, which is not so great to hear at all, is caused by humans.

You have in your hands the power to protect or destroy all life on Earth. I urge you to do something.

Read more and spread the awareness:
WWF
IUCN Red List
Warning to Humanity
Union of Concerned Scientists
The Sixth Great Extinction
Endangered Species Coalition

The kids from the Happy Childhood Children Centre went wild when me and Kyra (a team of educators from Penang Butterfly Farm) brought out live colorful and cute caterpillars to their tiny hands to experience Mother Nature! This is the 2nd time we are meeting back the cheeky kids. Couple of months ago, they were at our farm participating The Enchanting World of Butterflies Nature Education Programme.

We were invited back to their centre this morning, thanks to Principal Yeoh who sees the importance of getting children back to nature through a balance of classroom learning. According to author Richard Louv, Last Child in the Woods book on Nature Deficit Disorder, more children are spending less time outdoor resulting in a wide range of behavioral problems. Louv claim that causes for phenomenon include parental fears, restricted acess to natural areas and the lure of the screen.

Initially when we first arrived, the kids were sitting a distance away. We were so concerned that they couldnt view the Little Friends we brought along from the farm to share with them. Gosh, looks like we underestimated their enthusiasm and interest.

In less than 10 minutes, the kids were swarming us with their excitement to touch and pet the insects and reptiles. Other than just allowing the kids to touch, we were on all eyes, ears and mouth to make sure they listen and understand to our sharing of facts and making sure they take care of their own safety and also the insects and reptiles well-being.

Kids studying closely on how a dead leaf mantis feeds on its prey.

Why is the mantis eating so slow...I have observing for 3 minutes oledi!

Bearded Dragon go to School!

What a handsome reptile!

Excited little ones with the Giant Millipede

Toot toot train...millipede's coming...

Introducing the Mcleay’s Spectre, a look alike scorpion insect.

I must indeed share my pride and joy to the Happy Childhood Children Centre kids and teachers for having the love, interest and concern for these creepy crawlies and Mother Nature. This is a vision which Penang Butterfly Farm is hoping to spread to everyone out there.

Let us all Love Mother Nature and you will be loved!

It was still raining as I reached the venue by 5.40pm. However that did not damper my spirit. I quickly unload my boxes and bags of butterfly host plants which will be distributed to all our Penang Earth Hour countdown supporters. Thankfully, the security guards at the shopping complex were kind enough to assist me in the unloading, looking at I was alone. Uncle, thanks again, I hope you managed to get our Cleome rutidosperma plant!

I started to place the paper bags on the registration counter. Seemed like the paper bags were kind of attractive and create much curiosity. In moments of time, I had passers by popping in asking the content of the paper bags. While I explained to them that the Cleome plant are meant for free distribution in aid of our Caterpillar Club Butterfly Conservation project, some were simply thrilled to hear and receive it. The first plant was given away to a keen gentleman from DELL. We hope he will help us to spread the awareness of Butterfly Conservation in long run!

Welcome to Penang Earth Hour Countdown! Supporters being provided with a Cleome rutidosperma plant and goody bag while registering

By 720pm, the remaining set up inside the shopping complex foyer were almost done and ready for the countdown. The rain had stopped too. Our Organising Chairman, Mr. Eddy Low were seen busy entertaining our other invited guest, Datuk Dr. Chan while awaiting for the arrival of YAB Mr. Lim Guan Eng, Chief Minister of Penang. The queue at the registration counter was kept busy with the many supporters coming in. I almost missed out in noticing the arrival of your YAB Mr. Lim Guan Eng until I saw his smiling and friendly face walking across. Following behind were YB Danny Law, Penang State EXCO for Tourism Development, Culture Arts & Heritage, our Organising Chairman and other invited guests. Dressed in our Earth Hour black color t-shirt, he looked much younger than I had seen him in newspaper and happy too!

In between the start of the event to the speech from our Organising Chairman, the crowd kept coming in. Soon all our door gifts and plants were given out in no time. And yet, the queue was still there!

Supporters of Penang Earth Hour waiting anxiously for the countdown at 8.30pm

The crowd was almost filling up the whole foyer of the shopping complex soon after the speech by the YAB Mr. Lim. It was more than what we anticipated for. Nevertheless, we were thrilled to see the much support of the many Penangites on this peculiar event. Hopefully the message of reducing the power usage and coming together to fight global warming goes across the many minds of all our supporters on that particular evening.

Mr Eddy Low presenting a souvenir plant to Chief Minister of Penang, YAB Mr. Lim Guan Eng

Penang Butterfly Farm, had the privileged of presenting (represented by the Organizing Chairman) a pot of the Cleome rutidosperma, a butterfly host plant for the Leptosia nina. It was a gift of greening the earth and conserving more butterflies!

Soon the time came for the important countdown. YAB Mr. Lim Guan Eng together with all the invited guests were at the stage preparing for the countdown. A  gigantic switch had been prepared for our YAB Mr. Lim to be power off. At 8.29pm, the crowd started to the countdown and when it came to the 3, 2,1. Everything lights were off. The place was in darkness for a second. YES! Penang marks its inaugural support of the global action on reducing power consumption.

YES, Penang Earth Hour 2009!

The next moment, little kids came behind the stage came up with lanterns and luminous sticks. They had their funs twiggling and waving the color sticks around the stage! As the minutes ticked by and we were all casually hanging around, I noticed there were many photographers who also came by to capture this significant event. I supposed such event like this deserves a good coverage!

For the next hour, the crowd were served with refreshments and chinese musical instrument while sitting around chit chatting. As the clock struck 930pm,the lights came back. I noticed some faces among the crowd showed a sigh of relief. To how much the extend or impact of  this global action had brought to them, I have no answer. But I am glad that the awareness had spread. Thank you to all the Earth Hour supporters!

The much anticipated inaugural Penang Earth Hour 2009 countdown at Island Plaza came

You may view them at the below page (forum):

Nature & Insect Conservation Photography Competition Winners

Don’t forget to join our discussion at the forum too!