BANGKOK — Amid the sprawl of one of Asia’s most bustling metropolises, a growing community of reptile enthusiasts is uncovering a hidden facet of urban wildlife in Bangkok. Led by Thai American herpetologist Christopher Shannon and French expatriate Tanguy de Saint Sauveur, “Bangkok Herping” offers guided nocturnal tours focusing on the city’s diverse population of snakes, lizards, turtles, and amphibians.

The tours begin after dusk, departing from a central point in Bangkok’s busy Asok district before crossing the Chao Phraya River to Bang Krachao, an area known for its mangroves, orchards, and canals. Despite its proximity to the city’s skyscrapers, Bang Krachao provides a dense natural habitat supporting a rich variety of species. During a recent outing, participants encountered an Asian long-nosed vine snake, a tokay gecko, an Indomalayan water monitor, and a Malayan snail-eating turtle, among others.

Shannon and de Saint Sauveur emphasize that Bangkok’s urban environment—with its extensive network of canals, green spaces, and pockets of vegetation—supports at least 30 species of snakes alone, as well as various reptiles and amphibians. Many species thrive by navigating through city canals, sewers, and green corridors, demonstrating a notable adaptability to densely populated urban settings. “Most people think they need to travel far to see this,” Shannon said. “But the city is full of wildlife, you just need to know where to look.”

The city’s reptiles, some of which are nocturnal, are seen in surprising places, from roadside foliage to residential backyards and parking structures. Seasonal floods and ongoing urban development have occasionally displaced these animals, prompting greater interaction with residents. Today, snake encounters often result in calls to catch-and-release teams, reflecting increased local awareness and tolerance. De Saint Sauveur noted that attitudes toward snakes in Thailand differ markedly from his native France, where snakes are often killed on sight. “If I was a wild snake, I’d be very happy to live in Bangkok,” he said.

Bangkok Herping organizes tours several times a month, lasting about four hours and priced around $75 per person. The excursions cater to a wide range of participants, from children to older adults, many of whom are surprised by the biodiversity present just minutes from their hotels. The tours have grown in popularity alongside rising interest in urban ecology and citizen science, reflected by expanding online communities like the Thai Facebook group All About Thailand Snakes, which now counts nearly one million members.

A notable urban species is the reticulated python, the world’s longest snake, which is frequently found in backyards and drainage systems preying on rodents and small animals. Although rare, the elusive elephant trunk snake (Acrochordus javanicus) has also been reported in these urban wetlands, heightening both local interest and excitement among herpetologists.

Bangkok Herping’s efforts mirror similar urban wildlife initiatives in other Asian cities, including Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore, and Taipei, and highlight a broader trend of reconnecting urban residents with their surrounding natural environments. Shannon stresses the importance of safety and respect for wildlife, advising that handling snakes should be left to experts. “It’s practically as safe as birdwatching,” he said.

As the city skyline glows from across the river, the growing movement to explore and protect Bangkok’s urban reptiles offers a novel perspective on the coexistence of wildlife and metropolitan life, encouraging residents and visitors alike to slow down and observe the underappreciated creatures living in the shadows of the city’s bright lights.