UNAIR NEWS – In recent few weeks, a lot of news covers the story of snakes spotted in residential areas. The problem is from rising population of snakes, narrow habitat, and floods leading them to residential areas.
In this regard, lecturer of Veterinary Clinic Department Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (FKH) Universitas Airlangga and animal lover activist, Dr. Boedi Setiawan, drh., MP made some comments. The habitat of snakes keeps decreasing gradually. It may be caused by the rapid development in the areas.
“The snakes spotted in residential areas besides being carried away by the flood current is also due to the nature of snakes which always look for a safe area,” said the lecturer known as Boeseth.
There are several things that must be considered to prevent snakes from coming to the residential areas. House hygiene should be improved especially about the storage of unused goods. They created new habitat for rats, which are the prey of the snakes.
Furthermore, cleaning the house by mopping the floor also preventing snakes to get into the house. According to Boeseth, clean floor with fragrances and cleaning agents are not liked by snakes.
“People also need to know that snakes are not afraid of salt,” he said.
He also added that the original habitat of snakes should not be destroyed and the food chain should not be broken.
Snake-eating predators such as eagle, Javan mongoose, and monitor lizards are already rarely spotted. Many people hunt them for pets. It is strictly prohibited as they could prevent snakes to look for new areas and disrupt the ecosystem.
Cak Boeseth also emphasized a proper spatial plan for wildlife in needed. Rapid residential areas development must consider the environmental impact.
If a snake enters a residential area, the community is not encouraged to catch it by hand or to kill it. The public can contact the Community Protection Agency (LinMas) in the area. LinMas consisting of vet, fireman, and animal lover activist will deal with the problem.
The cases of snakes making their way in a residential area cannot be separated from the rainy season which is the time for a snake egg to hatch. At this time the snake will look for a safe area to be able to survive. (*)
Author: Aditya Novrian
Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia
