Macrophistodon rhodomelas - The blue-necked water snake is semi-aquatic and found along the streams and swampy areas of the lowland rainforests throughout Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore. It relies heavily on a diet of small fish, frogs, and toads. It grows to lengths of 60 to 85 centimeters and is non-venomous. The blue-necked water snake is passive. When provoked the snake will rear up, flatten its neck, assume a striking position, but will rarely deliver a bite.
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The Bruneian Empire reigned from the 7th century until 1888. It was a thalassocratic empire, a term describing a state deriving power through its control of the sea. The Sultanate of Brunei reached its apex between the 15th and 17th century. It controlled the coastal region of a wide territory, but was unable to extend their jurisdiction beyond the coastal areas. The Bidayuh, the indigenous people of Borneo’s interior, remained free from Brunei’s influence and were regarded as a constant threat.
