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Family : PYTHONIDAE
Species : Python bivittatus
Maximum Size : 5-6 metres
Python bivittatus (Burmese Python) is widespread in Southeast Asia. IUCN (Stuart et al
2012, errata version 2019) summarize the range as follows: Bangladesh,
Cambodia, China (southern provinces including Hong Kong), northeast India
(small isolated populations), Indonesia (Bali, Java, Sumbawa, Sulawesi),
Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand and Vietnam.
It was formerly considered a subspecies of Python molurus
(Indian Python) but is now widely treated as a separate species.
A purported zone of overlap of the ranges of the Indian and Burmese pythons
in northeast India, Bangladesh, and parts of western Myanmar now appears
unsupported in recent publications.
Python bivittatus has been documented from both lowland and montane settings. Its habitats
comprise forested areas, including mangrove, and wetlands; it is an excellent swimmer, and can climb well.
Its diet comprises a range of other vertebrates, particularly mammals. In colder
climates this snake may hibernate in the winter.
This large python can reach up to 5-6 metres in total length. Females are
broader and heavier than males. Up to 100 eggs may be laid in a single
clutch; these are typically concealed under
leaf litter, and are protected from predation by the female.
As a consequence of a poorly regulated pet trade Python bivittatus is
now a problematic, invasive species
in Florida, U.S.A.
Figs 1 and 2 : Example from Siem Reap, Cambodia, lying concealed beneath a
nesting mound of leaf litter. In the foreground are some empty shells of
those eggs which have already hatched.
Fig 3 : Juvenile from Siem Reap, Cambodia, showing the typical patterning of
the species.
Fig 4 : Secondary lowland forest and secondary wetlands (man-made
moats) surround various ancient temple complexes near Angkor Wat, Cambodia.
Such areas, protected for their archeological heritage, can also provide a
refuge for Cambodia's threatened wildlife.
Figs 1 to 3 photos thanks to Derek Clark.
References :
Stuart, B., Nguyen, T.Q., Thy, N., Grismer, L., Chan-Ard, T., Iskandar, D.,
Golynsky, E. & Lau, M.W.N. (2012). Python bivittatus (errata
version published in 2019). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2012:
e.T193451A151341916
Links :
- Wildlife
Alliance - Bringing back Angkor's wild side
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