HSSSlither 2022

With the lifting of certain restrictions and relaxation of others, the HSS decided to organise a physical event for its members, the HSS Slither. Modelled after the style of frog and bird races, the HSSSlither comprised several teams that went herping over 24 hours. Since it was the event’s first run, we decided to keepContinue reading “HSSSlither 2022”

Project Runover

Earlier this year, HSS started a citizen science-based roadkill project, where we encouraged members of the public to submit sightings of roadkill involving herpetofauna. Over the last year, our database has grown to over 200 records, with 167 of them from 2021 alone! Project Runover differs from many other roadkill projects by focusing on moreContinue reading “Project Runover”

A Clash of Titans

Featured Image: A king cobra in the midst of swallowing a reticulated python Photo by Law Ingg Thong Observing animal behaviour such as feeding, mating or fighting in the field is always a treat. But it is usually harder to witness a snake doing these things as they tend to be wary of humans andContinue reading “A Clash of Titans”

World Sea Turtle Day 2021

We’ve written on sea turtles a couple of times before this. If you haven’t already, check the posts out here and here. June 16th is World Sea Turtle Day! Join us in celebrating these fascinating and threatened creatures. Sea turtles have a tough life – to the point of briefly becoming internet memes in 2020.Continue reading “World Sea Turtle Day 2021”

World Snake Day Special – Species Spotlight!

Happy World Snake Day! To celebrate, we have a special two-part blog post. Take a look at the first part of our special here! For part 2, we have a special ‘Species Spotlight’. Two weeks ago, we asked our followers on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to vote on which species of snake we should featureContinue reading “World Snake Day Special – Species Spotlight!”

The Making of ‘The Herp Squad and the Mystery of the Missing Bluebird’

In 2019, we were approached by the Raffles Ecological Literacy Programme to advise a group of students, as they created a children’s book about Singapore’s biodiversity. Naturally, we jumped at the opportunity. Joon Khai, Pyari, Seng Kitt, Shanyl, Dayna, Justine and Sheu Wen published an amazing book titled ‘The Herp Squad and the Mystery ofContinue reading “The Making of ‘The Herp Squad and the Mystery of the Missing Bluebird’”

Beware of Snakes? Be Aware of Snakes!

What a walk! For the first Herp Walk of 2016, the HSS ventured into Treetop Walk, along with a group of enthusiastic participants who were keen to see the herps that they shared Singapore with. Participants were first wowed by a couple of Black-bearded Gliding Lizards (Draco melanopogon) perched on a tree. The guides explained howContinue reading “Beware of Snakes? Be Aware of Snakes!”

Dairy Farm Nature Park is Alive!

For our fourth walk we decided to venture out of the Central Catchment Nature Reserve so we went to Dairy Farm Nature Park, nestled aside Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. With Serin at the helm as our lead guide we led the group into the nature park. As we headed into Wallace Trail, Serin spotted a Colugo (GaleopterusContinue reading “Dairy Farm Nature Park is Alive!”

Herps in the Sky? – Part 2

True flight is something that is restricted to birds, bats and insects. It is distinguished from gliding and parachuting in that flying animals are able to produce thrust, to sustain their upward path. This is done by way of the “flight stroke”. It is an important thing to note that no herps are capable of true flight.Continue reading “Herps in the Sky? – Part 2”

Duelling Dragons and other Herps at Treetop Walk

The HSS held its second guided walk at the MacRitchie Treetop Walk, this time with Serin as our lead guide! We started off at the Venus Drive carpark entrance before making our way into the forest and embarking on an enjoyable 7km hike. And even before we entered the forest proper, we met our first herp ofContinue reading “Duelling Dragons and other Herps at Treetop Walk”