malaysian naturalist, march 2015
Herping is shortened from herpetology, the scientific study of reptiles and amphibians. Just as scientists studying birds are ornithologists and amateur observers of birds are birders, amateur or enthusiast observers of reptiles and amphibians (also known as herps) are herpers, which may draw even more quirked eyebrows as it sounds a lot like a certain sexually transmitted disease. Herpetology and herpes share the same Greek root word, herpein, which means to creep, exactly what shingles and lizards do.
Herpetofauna is an arbitrary group of animals. Amphibians are not very closely related to reptiles; in fact, birds are more closely related to lizards than are frogs or salamanders. They were just grouped together as they are both relatively small groups of animals and have similar habitat preferences and ecology.
I also find it very interesting to observe herps in their natural habitat as this provides some insight into the animals’ habitat preferences and life history. Finding these animals, especially rare ones, is challenging and can be especially exciting. Herping is a fun and enjoyable activity that anyone can engage in. Malaysia has a great range in amphibian and reptile diversity. Herps can be found in lowland rainforests, riparian habitats, highland rainforests and even in semi-disturbed habitats, such as public parks, fields and secondary forests.
Most lizards are diurnal; they actively forage for prey in the day and can be easily spotted while moving or sunning themselves on branches, but can also be found sleeping on trees at night. Snakes are mostly nocturnal, though a great many are diurnal. Snakes can normally be found moving in trees or on the ground looking for prey. Arboreal snakes can be found by looking for their bright ventral scales.
Here I must emphasise the importance of not handling snakes without knowing if they are venomous. Ultimately, it is best to not handle snake at all as they get stressed quite easily. Bites from non-venomous or mildly venomous snakes may not kill, but may still cause quite a bit of pain and discomfort.
I hope my short guide and these pictures have piqued your interest to grab a head lamp and start on your herping adventure. With over 180 species of frogs and 150 species of snakes to find, and more discovered every day in remote locations, it will be a long while before you see every type of herp that Malaysia has to offer.