In the past two weeks, residents of the village of Pancasari near Lake Buyan have noticed an unusually high number of pythons — 28 in total, 12 alive and 16 dead. The snakes have been seen in rice fields, near shops, and even on fishing nets. Most of them reached two meters in length. Several pythons attacked domestic animals and scared off fishermen who are used to going out to the water at night.
According to local resident Made Suartana, the snakes may have descended from hills about one and a half kilometers from the lake. There were rumors that the Bali Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) released the pythons. However, the head of the region I BKSDA Bali Nature Protection Department, Sumarsana, refuted these suspicions: the agency only releases animals in the Batukaru reserve, far from residential areas.
Sumarsana explained that pythons are not uncommon in this area, but their numbers may have increased due to the reduction of natural predators — eagles and monitor lizards — and due to heavy rains driving the snakes out of their shelters. 'We only release eagles here, not snakes. When there are fewer eagles, the number of pythons may increase,' he added.
BKSDA surveyed the surroundings of the lake and Ulun Danu Buyan temple, but has not yet found any traces of the pythons. The search efforts will continue, and residents are asked to immediately report new encounters with the snakes to allow for a swift assessment of the situation.
Lake Buyan remains a popular spot for camping and fishing. Locals advise exercising caution in the evening and nighttime. If you see a snake near your home or on your property, relocate children and pets to a safe place and immediately call the wildlife rescue do not attempt to catch or expel it yourself.
Source: kompas
You can add one right now!