Serpentarium Nusantara

Serpentarium Nusantara: 

A step towards advancing Indonesian snake research

Earlier this year, we secured a small property in Bogor, to establish Serpentarium Nusantara, a pilot project aiming to advance the study and conservation of Indonesian snakes. The serpentarium will house a variety of native snake species, providing a controlled environment for research and training activities. While small in scale, the facility is envisioned as a springboard for future, more extensive projects in the region. 

IHF director Nathan Rusli and herpetological technician Risma Aprilianti prepare to tube a spitting cobra for measurements and a health examination.

This initiative is a collaborative effort led by IHF director Nathan Rusli and Syahfitri Anita, a venom researcher specialising in snake ecology and toxinology. Most of the initial setup—including securing the property, outfitting the facility, and acquiring equipment—has been personally funded by the two researchers. We are currently in the process of seeking additional funding and support to sustain and expand the project over the coming years. 

One of the initial discussions prior to setting up the serpentarium. Pictured here are Syahfitri Anita (left) and Nathan Rusli (centre), along with some fellow snake researchers from Japan.

Objectives

1. Generate critical data on understudied species
   We aim to collect both baseline and supplementary data on Indonesian snake species—especially those that remain poorly understood. By combining captive husbandry with fieldwork, we hope to contribute valuable insights for advancing snake research and conservation in Indonesia. 
2. Advance venom research
   Through venom extraction and analysis, we will support ongoing research into snake venoms, with the long-term goal of contributing to the development of more effective and locally relevant antivenoms. 
3. Capacity building and training
   The facility will host training sessions on snake handling, restraint techniques, venom extraction, and scientific research methods. Where possible, we will collaborate with other organisations to deliver public outreach and education on snakes. The current property has been secured for a three-year period (April 2025 – April 2028), allowing us to operate the serpentarium as a temporary pilot project. During this time, we plan to establish foundational research and training programs while laying the groundwork for expansion to a permanent, purpose-built facility. 

Toxinologist Syahfitri Anita observes the venom extraction of a red-necked keelback. The toxins of Indonesian keelback species are poorly understood, and Dr. Anita has pioneered the research of this subject in Indonesia.

Research Focus 

Our research will prioritise several Indonesian snake species, with emphasis on behavioural studies and venom variation. Training animals will represent a range of taxa—including large snakes, colubrids, and vipers. 

The process of coaxing a venomous snake into a tube can be quite tricky, requiring a great deal of patience and expertise. Snake restraint tubes are a safe technique for restraining venomous snakes where necessary.

In 2025, we will focus on two groups of Indonesian snakes: keelbacks (Rhabdophis spp.) and cobras (Naja spp.). 

Veterinarian drh. Erick Sarwono and IHF director Nathan Rusli secure a cloth bag containing eight green pit vipers, which will be used for behavioural studies before being released back into the wild.

For Rhabdophis spp., we are interested in the evolution, behaviour, and ecology of this poorly studied group, which presents unique research opportunities due to its interesting poison synthesis and delivery system, among other things. 

Medical examinations are routinely carried out for all snakes at the serpentarium. Here, veterinarian drh. Erick Sarwono (right) is preparing to examine a spitting cobra.

We aim to better understand venom variation across different cobra populations, given their wide distribution throughout Indonesia, namely the equatorial cobra (Naja sumatrana) and Indonesian cobra (Naja sputatrix). This work will contribute to establishing baseline data essential for future antivenom development. This small but significant step marks the beginning of a long-term effort to support herpetological research, venom studies, and capacity building of herpetologists in Indonesia.

The outdoor section of the serpentarium is still under construction. When finished, this area will house pythons and serve as a training area for snake handling and restraint.