Herping Honza - Mindanao Reptile Enthusiast

28/05/2026

One of the Secrets of My Success

People often ask me how I can survive a week or two in the wilderness of tropical rainforest. One of the secrets is a good night sleep, or eventually a good morning sleep if I do too much night field herping.

In pristine rainforests of Mindanao, I prefer sleeping in my comfortable hammock and under my waterproof tarp. Like being cherished in the womb of Mother Nature, this is what I call the ultimate sleep.

This is the real me. And one of the secrets of my success.

26/05/2026

My Friend Dan's King Cobra Neonates Are Hatching... Again

I have received some wonderful photographs from my friend Dan Valenta, one of the most experienced and successful breeders of venomous snakes I have ever known. One of his greatest achievements is captive breeding of the Chinese King Cobra, Ophiophagus hannah, on reguilar basis. The curious neonates you can see below come from the 8th clutch.

Together with Dan, we prepared detailed articles on breeding the longest venomous snake in captivity. Dan also agreed to be interviewed for my latest work on responsive snake handling, so he could provide our readers with decades of priceless empirical experience.

These little banakon, or king cobra, neonates are so cool, aren't they? In Mindanao, we also have our own banakon, or king cobra. Despite the fact that these impressive venomous snakes represent very interesting apex predators, and should be protected as a vulnerable species, they face a lot of hostility from the side of humans. People even throw themselves into danger when they interact with these reptiles for no reason. It is also in place to point at the fact that the king cobra population from Mindanao will face more and more habitat loss in upcoming decades.

Since the future of one of the most unique representatives of the southern Philippine herpetofauna does not seem to be bright, me and my friend Dan Valenta decided to try our luck and ask for the permission to import 3 males and 3 females the king cobra from Mindanao to the Czech Republic, where we would set up proper breeding conditions for the pairs of these snakes in Dan's facility. Our intention is to import the snakes legally, so we would establish a regular captive population of the king cobra from Mindanao, and eventually run the stud book for this "species" that should be currently classified as Ophiophagus sp.

I am aware of the situation regarding the current Philippine legislation that makes our idea impossible to be turned into reality. On the other hand, when I see how many of king cobras get killed ruthlessly, despite the fact that they should rather be protected, I am convinced that this snake in particular deserves to get additional chance through contribution from the side of top breeders and zoological institutions.

If there is anyone capable of helping us turn our idea into reality, I will highly appreciate it. The problem is that the current legislation of the Philippines kind of does not have measures, or instruments, to assess what we are asking for in our favor.

Here I should also emphasize the fact that for us, only legal and official ways are acceptable.

Thank you.

Photography:

Chinese King Cobra, Ophiophagus hannah, hatching neonates

Photographed by Dan Valenta

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19/05/2026

Panlauy 2026: Celebration of Cultural and Natural Heritage of the Higaonon Tribe

Two weeks ago, I attended Panlauy 2026, an event that is a wonderful celebration of natural and cultural heritage of the Higaonon tribe. The main goal is to introduce the children and the new coming generation to the principles of coexistence with nature. The young learnt how to hunt, identify plants, and how to survive in the wilderness of mountain rainforest. I am thankful I was provided with the opportunity to be a part of it all. After all, I love spending days in the wild and sleeping in a hammock under the canopy of trees.

One of the reasons why I decided to join, was to show everyone that there are people who are interested in all those wonderful creatures lurking in the rainforest at night. These beings that are often overlooked. But they are a vital part of our ecosystem and they are far more important than one would think. Their presence also has a potential for ecotourism. And it does not matter whether it is a mighty banakon or a tiny little tree frog.

The land of Higaonons has a lot to offer. Us, who are just mere visitors, are often left speechless and in wonder.

Panlauy 2026 was not just a thrill for me. I understand it to be another beginning on my journey.

I should express my respect and say thank you to Datu Amay Mantangkilan Cumatang, the chieftain from Mintapud, Bukidnon, and his warriors, hunters, women and children. Thank you so much for accepting me and all those wonderful days in the temple of Mother Nature.

Thank you.

17/05/2026

Is There Any Justice In the Philippines?

If I do not wake up in the morning, find the drunkard intoxicated criminal who was driving that black car and bring that individual to justice.

In the evening hours, me and my wife, were returning from Plaza Divisoria to Carmen, Cagayan de Oro. The motorella we were travelling on was suddenly hit by a drunk driver. I was just helplessly observing how the vehicle was approaching us. The driver was driving relatively fast, but the driver was not capable of driving straight. He just smashed the motorella we were in. There was no reaction time. It took the drunkard a while until he realized what happened.

Decades ago, my former sensei told me that learning how to fall may save my life someday. That time was probably today. If I were not trained, I would have most probably ended very badly and with permanent consequences. Without regrets, I can obviously state that martial arts training saved my future.

My wife fell on me. And some other people too. Which helped them. Fortunately. My rib cage hurts like hell. The pain is becoming more and more intense. I just hope it is bruised and there is no internal organ injury. We will see.

What is interesting is the fact that the police officers who arrived in the crime scene did not want to submit the driver to any alcohol or drug test. They kept to apologize his behavior, claiming he had drunk just a little. The driver was drunk like a skunk. When he opened his mouth, there was a strong odor of hard alcohol.

Well, there came an ambulance. The conclusion is that there was probably no internal bleeding. Since I feel sharper and stronger pain in my rib cage and cannot sleep, I am writing this as a proof. If something happens to me, the reason is obvious. I still think that I will be just fighting extreme pain for like one week, and I will be ok. Hopefully.

Fulfilling my tasks and promises will go a bit slower in upcoming days. I will definitely not be able to sleep normally. Just give me some time to fully return back.

In Europe, for this kind of crime under influence, the driver would lose his driving license, pay a draconic fine, or go to jail. Philippine police assesses such situations differently. The drunkard was even cheeky claiming the accident was not his fault, and that he had drunk just a little. He was obviously wasted. I do not understand this. Mainly because this kind of approach encourages pathological behavior ...

Ok. I will be fully back. Hopefully. I feel like my rib cage just hurts because of the high speed impact and the fact that it served as a cushion... Fortunately.

I am a bit shocked. Just give me some time to recover. I will be back. I will try to work on stuff. But the pain is growing and growing... Hard to say what comes tomorrow.

This is really not normal...

Next time... Back to reptiles and nature.

Let this note helps foreigners visiting the Philippines realize that it does not work like in Europe, Australia or the USA here. It is good to be aware of it.

15/05/2026

Passion, dedication and fascination with nature take me to the most wonderful places on Earth. This was definitely one of them.

I would like to say thank you to all the amazing participants of Panlauy 2026 and to the datus, warriors, women and children of the great Higaonon tribe.

I have a lot to say. It will come with time and in proper forms. Thank you.

07/05/2026

Some Recommended Valid Sources

Nowadays, in so-called post-truth era, the frontiers between valid information and blatant noise get often erased. When we do not possess at least some knowledge of the problem, we can be manipulated or influenced quite easily. In the overwhelming virtual jungle, the one who shouts the loudest generally gets the most attention. The meaning, message and value are not the leading factors anymore. If truth, reason and logic still matter to us, it is in place to assess the sources of information surrounding us critically and with emphasis on validation.

In the infographics below, see some of the valuable and valid online sources I recommend to everyone who wishes to learn about snakes. These institutions and individuals are worth your attention. For more, see my newest work in the c-section below.

Thank you.

06/05/2026

Strength Is in Unity

Strength is in unity. This is why I interviewed my friend Filip Ambrož who holds the position of a zookeeper at Zoo Dvorec, Czech Republic, where Filip is in charge of the exhibit titled Venomous Terrarium, where, in addition to other venomous snakes, the visitors can admire one of the largest collections of true cobras in the world. As a private reptile keeper, Filip also maintains his own collection of venomous snakes. He specializes mainly in husbandry and breeding of pit vipers and bush vipers. One of his success stories is breeding of the Philippine Pit Viper Trimeresurus flavomaculatus. Together with Iveta Ilková, Filip Ambrož is the author of the book True Cobras (Genus Naja), a comprehensive publication dedicated to true cobras.

The interview with Filip Ambrož can be found in my newest work A Treatise on Responsible Snake Handling. See the c-section below.

Thank you.

05/05/2026

What Is A Treatise On Responsible Snake Handling About?

At the end of April, I published my work titled A Treatise on Responsible Snake Handling. The main objective was to shed some light on the problem of responsible, safe and professional handling of snakes. What was supposed to be a small project turned into a more comprehensive work approaching the issue of snake handling from various different angles. I spent approximately 350 hours working at the desk. Mainly because there were appearing further urgent topics I had to address. My main objective was to compile a more comprehensive work that would have the power to change the existing harmful narratives and contribute to positive changes.

Students from three universities on Mindanao were provided with the result of my efforts for free. Since many probably defend existing status quo, this gesture was not appreciated much. On the other hand, it is important to start somewhere. Especially when the current situation is what it is. Many countries have made it. They built a functional venomous snake management that significantly contributes to the safety of their citizens, and also to coexistence with venomous snakes that are a very important part of the ecosystem of our planet. I deeply hope the situation changes in the Philippines as well. Who knows.

Table of Contents of A Treatise on Responsible Snake Handling:

Foreword 1

The Fascinating World of Venomous Snakes and Their Nature 2
Those Venomous Ones 5
Viperidae (Viperids) 5
Elapidae (Elapids) 6
Colubridae (Colubrids) 7
Atractaspididae (Atractaspidids) 8
The Importance of Snakes and the Benefits of Peaceful Coexistence with Them 9

Responsible Handling of Venomous Snakes 14
Snake Handling Tools and Equipment 16
Herpetological Tongs 16
Herpetological Hooks 18
Pinning Hooks, Pinning Heads and Other Pinning Tools 21
Bite-proof Gloves 21
Safety Goggles and Eye Protection 23
Snake Restraining Tubes 24
Tubes for Transporting Snakes 24
Transport Containers, Snake Bags and Snake Catching Bag Frames 25
Tweezers, Sexing Probe Sets and Other Additional Equipment 25
Handling Venomous Snakes In the Field 28
Removal and Relocation of Venomous Snakes 30
Venomous Snakes In Captivity 31
Veterinary Medical Treatment and Venom Extraction 38
Important Note on Rear-fanged Snakes 39
Important Note on Non-venomous Snakes 41

Mental Aspects of the Game 42

Irresponsible Handling of Venomous Snakes 45
My Personal Confession (And How I Understand It After 15 Years) 47

Always Verify Information and Data 49

Recommended Credible Online Sources 51

Venomous Snakes and Medical Problems: Antivenom, First Aid & Superstitious Beliefs 54
Antivenom Matters 55
Important Note on Self-immunization 56
Snakebite First Aid 57
Snakebite First Aid: General Steps to Take 57
Important Note on Quack Doctors 58
Important Note on Mutilation of Venomous Snakes 59

When One Authority Is Not Enough 60
Interview with Filip Ambrož 62
Interview with Dan Valenta 68
Interview with Ashley Kemp (African Snakebite Institute) 78
Interview with Milan Oselský 82

We Made It to the Finish Line 86

Table of Contents 88

For more information see the link in the c-section below. Thank you.

03/05/2026

Another Unnecessary Death of a Free Handler in the Philippines

I registered another fatal case of snakebite that happened in the Philippines. This time, the Darwin Award goes to Leyte. Like it is usual in this part of the world, the reason was obviously free handling and irresponsible approach to venomous snakes. Several social media posts say the same… A man known as the Cobra King of Leyte died after being bitten by a cobra he kept.

Well,.. Here we go again. Accidents like this are unnecessary. Irresponsible approach to venomous snakes does not help anyone. It does not help the society. It does not help the animals themselves… It is pointless. There is no meaning behind it. I honestly do not understand why some individuals still normalize it. I really find this behavior to be the same like playing a Russian roulette. Or… some other stupid suicidal game like running across the highway blindfolded when the traffic reached its peak. I just do not get where this kind of ignorance comes from. Is there any sect, or a secret su***de society in the Philippines? To be honest, I do not know. Or, is the level of education and elementary understanding of things so low? I cannot tell, because the free handling habit spreads even among university students… Or among people who should show at least some elementary trace of inteligence and education.

To me, true cobras, and even king cobras, are animals that are not difficult to coexist with. It is even possible to work with them safely and responsibly. To me they are… Just normal. The only necessary thing here is a bit of professional methodology and training, understanding of behavioral patterns and nature of these animals, responsibility and doing just what is necessary. It is possible to be relatively safe around these venomous snakes.

I summarized everything in my recent work. It is basically a compendium of basic facts and useful information, written with the emphasis on inspiring the readers to get the point and the right direction. Students from three universities in Mindanao got it for free from me.

What is important is that… Until people in the Philippines understand that it is time to change their approach, nothing will change. And the tragedies will continue.

Photography:

Samar Cobra, Naja samarensis

Mindanao, The Philippines

01/05/2026

Responsible Herpetoculture Journal 26 Has Been Printed.

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The RH Journal issue #26 is printed!

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