Python molurus bivittatus (Kuhl, 1820)
Burmese Python 蟒蛇
(Non-venomous)
Suborder
Serpentes 蛇亞目
Back yellowish or greyish, with large brown blotches extending from head to tail.
Ventrals whitish.
Head elongated, slightly triangular, with a spear-like mark on the top.
Upper labials with pits;
Scales smooth.
Found in various habitats.
Prefer
well-grown shrublands, broad-leaf woodlands and mangrove swamps for sufficient cover and preys.
Seems to avoid interior of cultivated field and high mountain.
Sometimes swims between island and mainland.
Local python has a large home range.
An radio-tracked adult female covered an area of over 12 hectares on Lantau Island in 24 hours.
Large specimens taken from the wild are powerful and vicious.
Their bite can cause severe lacerations.
Sometimes takes deers and calves.
Considered nuisance by farmers as it takes chickens, calves and pets.
Female incubates egg by coil around them and raise her body temperature;
Incubation period 2-3 months.
Hatchling around 65 cm in total length.
Occurs in central and southern China, Burma, Indochina and Indonesia.
IUCN Redlist: NT (Near Threatened)
China Redlist: Critically Endangered
