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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 snakes. They are snakes in the middle level of venom, a lite venom, and of course a high venom.
Like when you are in the mangrove areas or coastal areas, there will be a snake with a skin style like a police line (mixture between black and yellow). It is called 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.
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| Photo: Wikipedia |
And when you go more far to the higher landscape areas, where there is a river, natural water sources with its canals, you'll encounter quite similar snakes like Boiga, but with a more clear mixture of black-white color or black-yellow color. Those snakes are called krait snakes of Bungarus sp. and commonly three species spread in western Indonesia area: Bungarus candidus, Bungarus fasciatus, and Bungarus flaviceps. If you meet that kind of snake, it is a very wise step if you consider to avoid it. Because that kind of snake contains deadly elements in its venom liquid.
For a foreigner and tourists, Java and Bali are favorite areas in Indonesia to visit. Both are because of 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.
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 sputarix 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).
1. Naja or cobras
This species of snakes needs only 7 μg (as discussed in a recent paragraph) to kill a half of the human population. 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 human habitat. So if there are mice and frogs in our house, cobras could also sneak in there.
2. Blue krait
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| Photo: Detik.com |
As explained in the third paragraph of this beginning article, 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 get awake. 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 vacation in a river area.
3. Green viper
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| Photo : Tribunnews |
This snake also has deadly venom with cobras. According to the latest information from the experts, Indonesia still hasn't the antidote for this snake bite. 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 its tail, because this snake has a nickname "deadly red-tail" by the local people.
4. Soil snake
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| Photo: Wikimedia |
Many people refer to this snake as a land mine snake. It is because of its ability to camouflage between 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 inside. Next, the pain will continue to spread as the venom follows the lymph, until the victim will have severe systemic problems. Many people die when they come to systemic problems.
5. Red-necked keelback
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| Photo: Wikipedia |
Beside a deadly venom worth soil snake, this snake also has a 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 has both dangerous things in it. Just beware of its exotic texture and skin style because those are fatal to humans.
6. Chili snake
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| Photo: Wikipedia |
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.
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