If you visit Indonesia, you'll find many tropical forests. And in the tropical forest, there are definitely many reptiles you're going to meet. And then when you find reptiles, you're going to face a snake. Not all snakes in tropical areas are highly venomous. They are snakes in the middle level of venom, a light venom, and of course, a high venom.
Like when you are in the mangrove areas or coastal areas, there will be a snake with skin style like a police line (mixture between black and yellow). It is called the Boiga snake (Boiga dendrophila) or a mangrove snake. Boiga has a middle level of venom that, if the venom is injected into human blood, the victim will suffer a little pain, but it depends on their health condition. It could be heavier if there's something wrong with your health.
Bungarus species
And when you go further to the higher landscape areas, where there is a river, natural water sources with their canals, you'll encounter quite similar snakes like Boiga, but with a clearer mixture of black-white color or black-yellow color. Those snakes are called krait snakes of Bungarus sp. and commonly three species spread in the western part of Indonesia: Bungarus candidus, Bungarus fasciatus, and Bungarus flaviceps. If you meet that kind of snake, it is a very wise step you consider avoiding. Because that kind of snake contains deadly elements in its venom.
 |
| Blue krait (Bungarus candidus) |
For our illustration, you serve 100 syringes filled with water and then pour all the water into one pot. And then in the pot, you put the venom of krait for just 4 μg and mix it with the water. After that, insert the water into 100 syringes. Inject that water into 100 adult people. You'll see 50 people die, and the rest will still make it, but in severe pain. That is what we called the lethal dose 50, or a dose to kill 50% of the population. Krait venom needs only 4 μg to inject into human blood and can kill or cause us pain.
For foreigners and tourists, Java and Bali are the favorite areas in Indonesia to visit. Both are because to vacation and business reasons. Java and Bali have unique and beautiful spots of nature along with their exotic animals. And for those of you who are considering staying longer in Java and Bali, you should know about what deadly venomous snakes you're going to face.
Group of deadly
From the direct survey with KPU Independent Indonesia members or Snake Lover Community in Indonesia, there are six species of highly venomous snakes that often encounter humans, in public areas and in the forest. Those are cobras (Naja sputatrix and Naja sumatrana), blue krait (Bungarus candidus), green viper (Trimeresurus albolabris and Trimeresurus insularis), soil snake (Calloselasma rhodostoma), red-necked keelback (Rhabdopsis subminiatus), and chili snake (Calliophis intestinalis).
Cobra needs only 7 μg (as discussed in a recent paragraph) to kill half of the human population. An adequate level of venom in the blood can bring death. Luckily, Indonesia has antidotes for this kind of snake venom, along with blue krait and soil snake. And surely, one injection for the antidote will cost an expensive price. This snake is a quite well-adapted snake that could live in a human habitat. So if there are mice and frogs in our house, cobras could also sneak in there.
 |
| Javan spitting cobra |
As explained in the third paragraph of this beginning article, the blue krait has more powerful venom than cobras. It only takes 4 μg, less than cobra's venom needs to kill. And the more dangerous information is, this kind of snake looks pleasant to kids, and when it bites, the victim will only feel itchy. But around 20-45 minutes after getting bitten, they start to feel so sleepy, until they fall asleep and never wake. But this snake is quite picky about its living area. They often choose an area with clean and healthy water. So beware if you are taking a vacation in a river area.
Viper
This snake also has deadly venom like cobras. According to the latest information from the experts, Indonesia still doesn't have the antidote for this snake bite. This is a group of vipers, and this kind of snake is commonly found in the forest, farms, and even in the lush gardens around the housing areas. To avoid these snakes, pay attention to their tail, because this snake has a nickname "deadly red-tail" by the local people.
Many people refer to this snake as a land mine snake. It is because of its ability to camouflage among the dry leaves. Many victims of this snake said that they accidentally stepped and got bitten. After the bites (because this snake can do multiple attacks), their skin felt like burning from the inside. Next, the pain will continue to spread as the venom follows the lymph, until the victim has severe systemic problems. Many people die when they come to systemic problems.
Poisonous skin
Besides a deadly venom like Calloselasma rhodostoma, this snake also has poison in its skin. Venom means some deadly materials that flow into the blood, and poison means dangerous elements when touched or swallowed. This snake, is red-necked keelback or Rhabdopsis subminiatus, has both dangerous things in it. Just beware of its exotic texture and skin style because those are fatal to humans.
Last, called chili snake by local people because this snake is tiny. It can sneak into a gap beneath the door because of its small body. And because of its interesting color-mixture in its skin, its slow movement, this small snake is often underestimated. Whereas this snake has a huge potent venom. The level of venom can compare to an adult krait attacking the respiratory system of its victim. Many people died unconscious after severe hard breathing.
