Burmese Python

Burmese Python (Python molurus bivittatus)

The Burmese Python is not the Indian Python (or Indian Rock Python) — Python bivittatus.

The Burmese Python, which is native to Southeast Asia and southern Thailand, is one of the biggest snake species on the planet. The Indian python is its subspecies, but it is larger and heavier. These snakes are capable of reaching lengths up to 30 feet (9 m), but most adults only reach 12 to 18 feet (3.6 to 5.44 m). Burmese pythons are an invasive species in Florida. They can reach lengths of up to 9 feet, with the longest recorded specimen reaching 18 feet.

The snakes have dark brown spots on their sides and backs. These blotches look like giraffe markings or puzzle pieces, which helps them blend in with their environment. The head is shaped like a pyramid, with an arrowhead wedge that extends from the eyes to the snout. Their scales can appear iridescent under certain lighting conditions, but this effect varies depending on the environment.

Burmese pythons live in semi-aquatic habitats and can be found near or in water, particularly in marshes and swamps. Although they are common in southern Thailand, it is rare to see one in the wild unless you actively search in remote or forest areas. The mainly nocturnal animals spend their days resting under trees or in dense underbrush. They hunt at night a variety of prey, from frogs to birds, rodents to goats and small deer.

Burmese Pythons have a more balanced temperament than their aggressive cousins, the reticulated Python. Individual behaviour can vary, and Burmese Pythons may be aggressive or defensive if they feel threatened. It’s not uncommon to find Burmese Pythons in local snake parks. For example, one park has eight of them, and three are tame.

Burmese pythons gained fame in some places over the past few decades. Released or escaped pets established a flourishing breeding population. Their native habitat closely resembles the hot and humid conditions in the Florida, which allows them to reproduce. Unfortunately, the native wildlife has suffered as a result of their success. The invasive pythons are now preying on a variety of species, including raccoons and birds. They also attack alligators and federally protected animals.

The Burmese Python is one of the world’s most impressive reptiles, both because of its size and adaptability.

Thai:

Ngu laam, Ngu Larm

Appearance: 

The Burmese Python is one of the largest snakes in the world. It can grow up to five meters (16 feet) long and weigh as much as ninety kilograms. The females are slightly larger, heavier and more robust. Burmese Pythons in the wild are usually dark with bold brown blotches that run along their back. Two horizontal lines of light brown also run across the head just above the eye. The striking patterns of these animals are often compared with those of a puzzle or a giraffe. The amelanistic morph (albino), which is a morph that lacks melanin, is a popular pet in captivity. This form is a melanin-free form, which gives the snake a bright white base with yellow, orange, and red markings. It’s one of the most sought-after morphs in the world.

Range: 

India, southern China, the Malay Peninsula, and several islands of the East Indies.

Habitat: 

The Burmese Python ( Python bivittatus ) is found in Southeast Asia. The native range of the Burmese python includes Eastern India and Nepal, Western Bhutan and Southeastern Bangladesh. It also extends to Myanmar, Thailand and Laos. Also, it is found in northern Peninsular Malaysia and parts of southern China. It is found on many islands in Indonesia, including Java and Bali, as well as Southern Sulawesi and Sumbawa.

This species is very adaptable and can thrive in many different habitats. The species is found in grasslands and marshes. It can also be found in rocky foothills. Burmese Pythons are attracted to environments that have high humidity, dense vegetation and even open clearings. They can also tolerate landscapes altered by humans.

The Burmese Python is known for its ability to swim. It is an excellent swimmer and spends long periods in or around water. To survive, it needs access to a constant water source. It can be submerged for long periods of time and can hold its breath for 30 minutes.

Their adaptability and wide habitat range have contributed to the success of these species both in their native environments and in areas that they have invaded, like Thailand.

Notes:

The Burmese Python is not poisonous, but its size makes it dangerous for humans. The large teeth and mouths of even younger pythons can cause painful bites. Larger pythons can constrict and possibly suffocate a smaller individual. When handling or approaching these snakes with care, it is important to be cautious, especially if they are longer than two meters. Only experienced handlers should manage specimens over three or four meters. Burmese Pythons are not aggressive towards humans, despite their strength and size. Confirmed fatalities have been extremely rare.

They have specialised heat-sensing holes on their facial scales that allow them to detect warm-blooded prey in total darkness. The Burmese python is a macrostomatan or “big-mouthed snake” that can dislocate their loosely connected teeth to swallow prey four to five times bigger than its head.

Active Time

Burmese pythons hunt at night, relying on their stealth to catch prey. Instead of actively chasing food, they usually remain motionless at a hidden location, such as tall grasses, underbrush or water edges, waiting for an unwary animal to approach within striking distance.

The python will strike with lightning speed when the prey gets close, grabbing it with its sharp teeth that curve backwards and wrapping the coils around them. The snake tightens its grip on the prey with every exhalation, until it is suffocated. The python’s diet is varied, including birds, small mammals, amphibians and reptiles. They also eat larger animals, such as pigs and goats. They can detect body heat using specialised pits in their mouth, allowing them to hunt warm-blooded animals even when it is completely dark.

Food: 

Burmese Pythons are generalists and opportunists, known for their wide-ranging diet. In necropsies, a variety of prey species, including birds, mammals and reptiles, were found in the stomach contents.

Natural Enemies: 

Defensive Behaviour: 

Burmese pythons will use different defensive strategies when threatened. The pythons may hiss, strike with sharp teeth that curve backwards, or coil up their muscles to make themselves appear bigger and more intimidating. Their most effective defence, however, is their ability to camouflage. This allows them to remain undetected within their natural environment.

Their greatest weakness is their vulnerability in a fight, despite their impressive size and strong construction. The python is vulnerable to being overpowered or hurt if an opponent manages to resist or escape its coils. Their slow metabolism also forces them to conserve their energy. This makes prolonged battles risky, and they must choose carefully which battles to fight.

Venom Toxicity: 

Burmese pythons are non-venomous snakes

Offspring: 

Burmese Pythons reproduce in the early spring. Females lay clutches of up to 36 eggs, usually in March or April. The female will coil around the eggs after laying them and remain with them during incubation. She uses subtle muscular contractions, which generate heat, to maintain a temperature that is several degrees higher than the surrounding environment. This behaviour ensures proper embryonic growth. Once they are ready to hatch, the chicks use a special egg tooth that slices through the shell. The mother’s care stops at this point. Young snakes are often kept in the eggshell until they shed their first layer of skin. After that, they start hunting for their first food.

Snake Classification

Common Name: Burmese python, Asiatic rock python, tiger python

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata 

Class: Reptilia

Order: Squamata

Family: Boidae

Genus Species: Python molurus (serpent) bivittatus