Malaysian family learns about snakes by studying them in their natural habitats


  • Family
  • Friday, 24 Jan 2025

One of Leong's daughters, Yasmin Chung, nine, talks about snakes to other kids. Photo: LINUS CHUNG

WHEN 39-year-old Leong Shen Nyan ventures into Malaysia’s dense jungle with her family, it is not to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

The family of five leave their home in Ampang, Selangor to immerse themselves in a passion-filled pursuit to watch and study one of the world’s most misunderstood animals: snake.

Leong and her family spend weekends exploring forests, observing and photographing snakes in their natural habitats.

“I have been fascinated by all animals and chose to work as a wildlife researcher specialising in tigers to connect more closely with nature. However, my fascination with snake began with my husband Linus Chung, and it has now extended to my kids,” Leong shares.

The non-governmental organisation (NGO) she works with recently widened its conservation efforts to include snakes in the biological surveys it conducts for the Wildlife And National Parks Department (Perhilitan).

Far from fearing the reptile, Leong’s family – comprising three young children aged between 11 and seven – embrace their passion with curiosity and enthusiasm, making herping – the act of searching for amphibians or reptile – a collective hobby.

“Herping is a far better way to appreciate snakes than keeping them in captivity, where you’re limited to observing only the few species you can afford to keep,” she says.

For her, herping isn’t just about the thrill of discovery; it’s about fostering a deeper connection with nature and its inhabitants.

Herping is a family affair. Leong (second from left) and husband Linus (third from left) with two of their children. Linus's father Chung, 75, (right) is holding a snake hook with the venomous wrangler pit viper. — Photo: LINUS CHUNGHerping is a family affair. Leong (second from left) and husband Linus (third from left) with two of their children. Linus's father Chung, 75, (right) is holding a snake hook with the venomous wrangler pit viper. — Photo: LINUS CHUNG

Affectionate reptile

“Snakes are beautiful creatures,” Leong says. “They fascinate me because they can climb trees, burrow underground, swim in rivers and oceans, and even glide through the air – all without limbs.”

The biologist adds: “They are also very affectionate, or as we Malaysians say, manja, in the way they curl around our hands and bodies when we hold them.”

According to Leong, snakes are incredibly diverse, with each species exhibiting its own unique and interesting characteristics.

She doesn’t advocate keeping snakes as pets, but she suggests the ball python as a good starting point for those keen to learn more about this reptile.

“The ball python is bred for hobby, so it doesn’t deplete wild population, and it doesn’t grow too large to become unmanageable,” she explains.

Stressing the importance of knowledge, Leong says, “When you know, you don’t fear.”

Understanding how to differentiate non-venomous snakes from venomous and dangerous ones, she says, helps people overcome their fears and avoid unnecessary panic. “And they are less likely to kill the snakes or be harmed by them,” she adds.

Malaysia is home to over 200 species of non-dangerous snakes and more than 20 venomous species, which Leong says makes it easier to remember the ones that pose a threat.

For those likely to encounter snakes in their homes or workplaces, she recommends downloading a handbook of medically significant snakes in Malaysia, which is available online for free.

On her own, Leong is on a mission to educate others about this often-feared reptile. Through her social media platforms, she shares photos and stories of snake encounters as an effort to encourage a shift in public perception from fear to admiration.

Her efforts extend to her children, who have become little ambassadors for snake education, often encouraging and helping their peers and neighbours understand and appreciate these creatures.

“We can’t change everyone’s perception in one broad sweep,” she admits, “but if we can inspire one person at a time, it is a step towards the conservation of these species.”

Theodore Chung, seven, with the twin-barred tree snake (chrysopelea pelias). Mildly venomous, its venom appears to pose no danger to humans. — Photo: LINUS CHUNGTheodore Chung, seven, with the twin-barred tree snake (chrysopelea pelias). Mildly venomous, its venom appears to pose no danger to humans. — Photo: LINUS CHUNG

Little herpetologists

Leong believes parents should expose their children to all animals, snakes included, to help them develop a rational view of these creatures, free from inherited fear and prejudice.

“We grew up with unfounded inherited fears of snakes, and we should not instil in our children those false fears,” she says. “Children are inherently open-minded and curious about animals.”

As urbanisation increasingly separates humans from nature, Leong says gadget-equipped children are living more in a virtual world.

“I think it is important for parents to cultivate a love for the natural world we come from. Interaction with snakes can facilitate this process,” she adds.

Leong (right) and Linus crouching over to have a shot with a wild sunbeam snake. — Photo: LINUS CHUNGLeong (right) and Linus crouching over to have a shot with a wild sunbeam snake. — Photo: LINUS CHUNG

Through learning, Leong says, children can gain a deeper understanding of snake biology and ecology, as well as their interactions with the environment. They can also develop skills in animal husbandry and how to handle snakes safely.

“The knowledge and understanding will also help them remain calm, take appropriate action and protect themselves during encounters, especially in Malaysia, which is home to many snake species,” she adds.

Leong advises parents to start by educating themselves about snakes before introducing the reptile to their children.

“Start with books and documentaries on nature and wildlife, visit wildlife sanctuaries, natural history and zoology exhibits at museums and universities, and join a guided herping trip,” she suggests.

On the right age to start, Leong believes young children are perfectly capable of learning about and identifying snakes.

“It depends on their readiness, such as physical control to hold snakes correctly, mental maturity to follow instructions, emotional control to handle unexpected situations, and the ability to respond appropriately,” she says.

Direct interaction with snakes, however, should only happen under the supervision of someone knowledgeable about snakes, she concludes.

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