Burmese python

The Python bivittatus (or Burmese python) is one of the fifth largest snakes in the world. It is native to a large variation of tropic and subtropic areas of South and Southeast Asia. Until 2009 they were considered a subspecies of Python molurus. Now they are recognized as a distinct species.

Burmese pythons are dark-coloured snakes with many brown blotches, edged with black, down their back. It can grow up to 5 to 7 metres (16 to 23 ft) long, but some may only reach up to the length of 4 metres (13 feet). They usually weigh around 90 kg. The longest Burmese python ever recored was a female named "Baby" which lived in the Serpent Safari, Gurnee, Illinois and was 27 years old when she died. When "Baby" died she was 8.23 metres (27 ft) long, and weighed 183 kg

The Burmese python is found throughout Southern and Southeast Asia including Eastern India, Nepal, Western Bhutan, Southeast Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Northern Malaysia, far southern China, Indonesia, Southern Sulawesi, Bali and Sumbawa. It lives in grasslands, marshes, swamps, woodlands, river valleys, and jungles with open clearings.

The Burmese python, like all types of snakes, are carnivorous. They mainly eat birds and mammals like mice, rats, rabbits, pigs and goats. Some have been seen eating larger animals like alligators and deer.

As we mentioned above, Burmese python snakes are one of the largest snakes to be kept as pets. Due to their large size, they need a large enclosure. For young Albino Burmese Pythons , at least 6 feet long, 3 feet wide, and 3 feet tall (1.8×0.9×0.9 meters) enclosure is needed. When they grow up, they’ll need a bigger space. An adult albino Burmese python snake requires around 12 feet long, 6 feet wide, and 6 feet tall (3.6×1.8×1.8 meters) or even larger enclosure.thumb|200px|A python
Burmese Pythons are mainly nocturnal. Young Burmese Pythons usually live in trees and on ground but when they become older they live mainly on the ground. They are excellent swimmers and can stay underwater for around half an hour.

Burmese pythons breed in the early spring. Females lay around 12-36 eggs in March or April. The female python then remains with the eggs until they have hatched. Once the hatchlings use their egg tooth to cut their way out of the eggs the mother then leaves. The babies often stay inside the eggs until they have completed their first shedding of their skin, after this they leave to hunt for their first meal. Burmese pythons live for around 20 to 27 years.

References

Category:Pythons
Category:Snakes of Asia