An interesting finding was documented by independent researchers in the secondary forest area on the slopes of Mount Anjasmoro, Wonosalam, Jombang, East Java. A Javanese mountain kukri snake (Oligodon bitorquatus) was successfully identified after initially being mistaken for a venomous snake species by the research team during a field survey in early April 2026.
Muhammad Asyraf Rijalullah, a Master of Biology graduate from Brawijaya University who led the observation, revealed that this encounter was particularly special. Found at 10 a.m., the snake exhibited behavior outside the crepuscular pattern—activity at dawn or dusk—previously recorded in scientific literature regarding the species.
Kukri snakes have a unique dental anatomy resembling Nepalese kukri knives. This tooth structure specifically functions to rip and slice open eggs, which form their main diet. Despite having a sharp bite, this snake is classified as non-venomous and holds a Least Concern status according to the IUCN.
Agus Nurrofik from Sahabat Alam Indonesia explained that the habitat where the snake was found is located in a buffer zone between production forest and protected forest, close to the Tahura Raden Soerjo area. The dense vegetation condition with pine and eucalyptus stands serves as an indicator that the area remains a suitable home for various herpetofauna species.
Nevertheless, threats to wildlife preservation remain real due to the expansion of agricultural land and plantations, such as coffee and citrus. The documentation of this snake is expected to become vital supporting data for conservation efforts and the development of education-based ecotourism, fostering local community awareness in preserving the sustainability of the ecosystem on the slopes of Mount Anjasmoro.
