The Reticulated Python is the world’s longest snake, sometimes reaching over seven meters in length (though usually half that size). They are a fascinating, beautiful animal, a wonderful sight for any wildlife enthusiast. But what do you do when a huge snake wants to steal your chickens?

I first became engaged with Sakahang Lilok due to an email I received from an old friend who helped to found the farm. It went like this:

On the Lilok Farm we have a good number of snakes in the forest. Well – mostly in the forest. Occasionally they venture out, mainly to find food. Which is fine in principle. But they like chickens. And the people don’t like them feasting on hens. Generally the people do not appreciate the snakes much and have a tendency to want to kill them, wherever possible. Also because they add protein to the food…

On the Lilok Farm the appreciation of snakes is slightly higher. We also got two guys who handle snakes well. But the chicken topic is also a matter of concern…

Some of us really do not want to see any snakes killed. But sometimes their presence can feel a bit overwhelming. The neighbours are not so impressed with our appreciation of snakes. They are scared. A Rocha recommended to inform the neighbours and anyone interested better about snakes. Introduce them to the mystery of them and their beauty. Perhaps you would be the person to do this.

The email was accompanied by the following picture of a Reticulated Python that had been caught as it attempted to sneak in and take some chickens:

Humans have struggled to coexist with pythons for a long time. They have almost everything going against them – they are frightening, they eat our domestic animals, they make a decent dinner, they have beautiful skins, and they are snakes. In several places where I have done work – Thailand, Bangladesh, the Philippines – the conflict between pythons and people has been an issue.

I agreed to do a presentation at Sakahang Lilok at a time when I was going to be in the Manila area already for a conference. It ended up being a blast, with 15 participants from two farms and several partner organizations.