By Alvester Bigol – January 8, 2020New Sarawak TribuneSRI AMAN: A retired Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) officer and his friends killed a 10m-long (32.9 ft) python weighing 350kg in the forest of Sekupang, Tanjung Lutong in Lingga near here.Marjuki Muhi said his experience with the Bomba special unit for 31 years had greatly helped him defeat the python.“Long-term experiences have taught me how to stay calm and think quickly about how to save myself when dealing with stressful situations (such as finding a snake),” he said.Commenting on how he found the python, Marjuki said he and his friends went to the Sekupang forest area to conduct land surveying works in the forest.“As we passed through the Sekupang forest area around 9am, my friends and I suddenly encountered a very large snake moving slowly towards us – slowly because it was either very full or because it was too big.“For safety reasons, my friends and I had to make the decision to fight the python.The 10m-long python found by Marjuki and his friends.“After an hour of fighting, we finally managed to kill it. Thankfully, we are all safe and did not suffer any injuries. We left the python behind because it was too heavy,” he said, adding they were using tools such as iron rods, wood and machetes to subdue the python.According to the 55-year-old retired firefighter, they always carried sharp weapons when entering the forest.
He said before they entered the forest area, an old man told them to be careful when they were in the Sekupang forest area.Marjuki said he and his friends had no intention of killing the python, instead they were more concerned about their own safety.Marjuki and his eight friends – Jemat Muhi, Mamat Syahdan Jemat, Hairol Bolhasan, Wan Hafindi, Wan Mazuan, Hasrol @ Seroi, Alex Ya @ Udak John and Terry Adanah – were land surveyors from Geospec Sdn Bhd.A video of a python caught by Marjuki and his friends went viral after it was uploaded on social media on Monday.In February 2018, a snake of the same size was also found and killed in Kelawit, Tatau.The latest sighting of the snake in the forests of Lingga could be the longest ever sighted in Malaysia. The longest snake in captivity – also a reticulated python – is named Medusa in Kansas City, Missouri. Medsa was 25 feet, 2 inches long when she was measured in October of 2011, according to the website of Guinness World Records.According to the Sarawak Forestry Corporation, pythons are a protected species in the state. Any
I am a retired science educator and naturalist. My research focuses on reptiles, mostly snakes. Also, I am interested in dogs and their evolution. Protecting the environment should be a high priority for everyone, particularly politicians. They seem to be in denial over the idea that the environment is our life support system - once it's damaged, it may not be fixable.
World Snake Day is July 16. The day is important to the conservation of snakes. Snakes live on every continent except Antarctica and can vary from the longest species, the reticulated python, to the smallest Barbados Threadsnake. Snakes try to avoid human contact. They consider humans predators. Venomous snakes (and many) use their venom to obtain food and only use it for defense when forced to. World Snake Day can help remove people's fears and illusions about snakes, and help them gain recognition as a marvelous adaptable apex species. World Snake Day can be used to educate and inform people about how to deal with snakes. Let's not mis this opportunity.
World Lizard Day
August 14th is World Lizard Day. It's the perfect time to show some love for these remarkable creatures that have been sharing our planet since the time of the dinosaurs. With over 6,000 known species, lizards come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns, and you can find them on every continent except Antarctica. But why should we celebrate lizards, you ask? Well, they're not just cool to observe in their natural habitats but also essential players in many ecosystems. Lizards help keep insect populations in check, which is vital to our ecosystems. So, let's give these amazing creatures the recognition they deserve on this special day! tems worldwide.
World Turtle Day
Turtles and tortoises have secured their enduring places as enduring symbols in folklore, fables, and popular culture, enchanting our imaginations with their representations of wisdom and resilience. Annually, on May 23, we gather with delight to observe World Turtle Day, a dedicated day that pays homage to these unwavering creatures. Turtles and tortoises, both esteemed members of the reptile family, inhabit an array of diverse environments worldwide, where they play pivotal roles within their ecosystems.
These extraordinary beings don’t merely excavate burrows that become abodes for various other species; they also provide a valuable service by assisting in maintaining the cleanliness of our beaches. Their diet includes the remains of deceased fish that wash ashore, making a substantial contribution to ecological equilibrium. This underscores the profound significance of safeguarding these gentle creatures.
World Turtle Day stands as an occasion specially designated to celebrate and protect both of these remarkable creatures. Its origins can be traced back to 2002 when American Tortoise Rescue introduced this meaningful event. It casts a spotlight on the myriad challenges that turtles and tortoises confront due to human intervention and environmental hazards. On this special day, educational institutions, rescue centers, and nature enthusiasts unite to deepen their understanding of these creatures and pledge unwavering commitments to their preservation.
Here are some impactful ways in which you can actively participate in the endeavor to safeguard these exceptional animals: Adopt a Turtle or Tortoise: Contemplate adopting a turtle or tortoise from a rescue shelter. These low-maintenance creatures make ideal companions, especially for families with young children.
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