Monitoring a Local Snake Community in an Agricultural Area in Yogyakarta, Indonesia: Its Diversity, Feeding Habits, and Potential Threats

Ananto Puradi Nainggolan; Syahfitri Anita; Rury  Eprilurahman; Tomonori Kodama

doi:10.22146/jtbb.20810

Ananto Puradi Nainggolan Magister Study Program, Department of Tropical Biology, Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0009-0008-7548-1669
Syahfitri Anita Research Center for Biosystematics and Evolution, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Cibinong, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4004-7906
Rury Eprilurahman Department of Tropical Biology, Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1786-6201
Tomonori Kodama Research Center for Biosystematics and Evolution, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Cibinong, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0009-0003-1635-7450

DOI: https://doi.org/10.22146/jtbb.20810

Keywords: Snakes, Biodiversity, Diet, Conservation

Abstract

Snakes play a vital role in ecosystems as mesopredators, serving as both predators and prey. They contribute to ecological balance by regulating prey populations and supporting higher trophic levels. Despite their ecological significance, snake populations are increasingly threatened by anthropogenic disturbances, including habitat loss and the construction of artificial structures such as cemented water canals. In this study, we conducted a field survey of snake biodiversity in Kampung Satwa, Sumberagung Village, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, from November 2024 to January 2025, using the Visual Encounter Survey method. A total of 67 individuals from 14 snake species were recorded. The most abundant species were Ptyas korros, Dendrelaphis pictus, and Ahaetulla prasina. Dietary analysis revealed that Fejervarya limnocharis, a frog species frequently found in the area, would be a major prey item for the abundant snake species. Considering that toxic chemicals can easily accumulate in these prey species, potential biomagnification could pose a potential risk to the snake community. Additionally, 14 individuals were found near or within cemented water canals, indicating a risk of entrapment, particularly for species with limited climbing ability. One case of roadkill was also documented. These findings highlight the vulnerability of snake populations to human-made structures and underscore the need for continued biodiversity monitoring at population levels and the implementation of community-based conservation measures to mitigate future threats.

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