Snakes are abundant in much of Asia, particularly SE Asia. Visitors to the region might be seeking them out as part of a wildlife holiday, but likely many more persons at some point during their journey are thinking about how they can avoid snakes during a trip. But alas, snakes are likely not as dangerous as some might think and even if you’re not here to see snakes, perhaps there are some good rules of thumb you can follow to see them, or avoid them. On this episode we’ll talk with a man who works with snakes in Cambodia for his living, Mark Dainty, to get the inside scoop. This is bound to be a slithery episode!

Scott shares his snake experiences in Asia:
- Python new years 1999 Ko Tao
- Snake in motorcycle Mae Salong 2000
- Python in drain khlong San 2023
- Snakes in toilet stories and fear (1 degree away from someone this happened to)
- Cobras being caught by municipal staff in south and 800 in BKK last year
- Small ones on temple wall in songkaburi 2020
- Red Cross Bangkok’s cobra milking demo
- With all the time I’ve spent in the outdoors I have seen surprisingly few snakes

Trevor shares his experience with snakes in Asia:
- Queen Saovabha Snake Insititute:
- Koh Tao snake
- Sukhumvit snake with Mark
- Snake in the shower koh phra thong
- Snake in the toilet at EXO Siem Reap
- Giant cobra skin arriving in Kota Baru, then orange cobra almost stepped on: Tasik Cini
- Preah khan snake skins: Snake dropping from ceiling: mantis jumping on me
- Snake on the chair Soksan Beach (lonely hearts club)
- Burmese python at Shinta Mani wild
- Sea snake last week in Bali

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Mark Dainty: Intro
About guest Mark Dainty: My name is Mark Dainty, I have been residing in Siem Reap Province of Cambodia for the past 6 years. I came to Cambodia to work rescuing wildlife, breeding endangered Cambodian species for reintroduction and to educate people about the importance of the dwindling but unique biodiversity of Cambodia. I am currently the Senior Animal Curator at Angkor Wildlife and Aquarium. Before then I have been working with wild animals since 2002 where I worked at 3 different zoological collections in the United Kingdom. Although I work with all taxa I have a particular interest in snakes, especially working with dangerous species to study their venom.

- When did you first travel to Asia and under what circumstances?
- When did you see your first snake, where were you, and under what circumstances?
- When did you realize that you wanted to become a snake professional?
- What was your first experience with snakes in Asia?
- How many different snakes are there in Asia and how many are dangerous to humans?
- If visitors do want to see snakes while traveling in Asia (or Cambodia) where are how are the best opportunities to do so?
- What are the odds of seeing a snake in Cambodia and what should one do if one sees a snake?
- What should people do to avoid snakes if they’re really scared of them?
- What if you get bit by a snake: what should you do? Take a picture of it, maybe?
- Have you ever been bit by a snake and how did that occur?
- Let’s turn the tables: If you see snake on a menu in Asia, is it ethical to eat snakes?
Have you ever eaten snake? Do they taste good? Which taste best? - Tell us about the Angkor Wildlife Reptile House: What could a visitor experience there?
- How does your work there benefit the snake and human populations on Cambodia?

About the park: Angkor Wildlife and Aquarium, a state-of-the-art establishment in Siem Reap, is a tribute to aquatic biodiversity with two distinct aquariums that display an array of freshwater and marine creatures, coupled with an interactive touch pool and a rich wildlife park that shelters a variety of animals. Learn more.
Links
- Angkor Wildlife & Aquarium: Reptile House
- Video of Mark handling a King Cobra
- Episode 122: Monkey Tales
Learn more about Scott and Trevor:
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- Trevor’s Blog
- Scott’s Blog
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- National Geographic Cambodia
- National Geographic Thailand
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- Theme Music by Jamie Ruben