Reticulated Python (Malayopython reticulatus) is one of the world’s longest snakes, reaching lengths of over 6 meters in some cases. It is native to Southeast Asia and is known for its distinctive geometric pattern of dark and light scales, which provides excellent camouflage in forests and near water bodies. This species is semi-aquatic and a strong swimmer, often found near rivers, swamps, and rainforests. Its diet consists mainly of mammals and birds, which it kills by constriction.
Reticulated Python
Malayopython reticulatus
🐍 Non-venomous
Description
Venomous?
No, this species is non-venomous. It relies on constriction to subdue prey rather than venom.
A Danger to Humans?
While generally shy and avoiding human contact, large individuals can be dangerous if provoked or handled improperly. Rare attacks on humans have been recorded, especially in rural areas where encounters are more likely.
Population Size
Stable
Life Span
-
WEIGHT
30.5 g
LENGTH
3 m – 10 m
Ar
Arboreal
Ca
Carnivore
No
Nocturnal
Te
Terrestrial
Classification
KINGDOM
:
Animalia
PHYLUM
:
Chordata
CLASS
:
Reptilia
ORDER
:
Squamata
FAMILY
:
Pythonidae
GENUS
:
Malayopython
SPECIES
:
Malayopython reticulatus
Distribution
Reticulated pythons live in humid tropical forest areas. In Bali, this species lives in lowland rain forest, monsoon forest and agricultural land. Often found around streams and in caves.
Geography
Continents : Asia
Country : Reticulated pythons spread in the forests of Southeast Asia. Starting from the Nicobar Islands, Burma to Indochina, the Malay Peninsula to Sumatra, Kalimantan, Java, Nusa Tenggara (to Timor), Sulawesi and north to the Philippines
Habits and Lifestyle
These snakes are usually nocturnal, most of their time spent on the ground, but are also excellent climbers and swimmers. This snake prefers to wait rather than actively hunt, perhaps because its large size consumes a lot of energy.
Lifestyle
Terrestrial and Arboreal
Biome
Tropical Forest
Climate Zone
Tropical
Diet and Nutrition
Its main diet is small mammals, birds and other reptiles such as lizards. Tiny snakes prey on frogs, lizards and fish. Large snakes reportedly prey on dogs, monkeys, wild boar, deer, and even humans. The prey is paralyzed by wrapping it tightly (constricting) until it runs out of breath. Some of the bones in the circumference of the chest and pelvis may be broken by it. Then after death the prey is swallowed whole, starting from its head. After eating, especially after swallowing large prey, this snake will fast for several days to several months until it is hungry again.
Mating Habits
Female snakes have larger bodies. If the males have started mating at a body length of about 7-9 feet, the new females are about 11 feet long. Sexual maturity is reached at the age between 2-4 years. The breeding season runs from September to March in Asia. Reducing the length of the day and lowering the temperature are the driving factors that stimulate the mating season. Both males and females will fast during the breeding season, so body size is important here. The females will even continue their fast until they lay eggs, and quite possibly the eggs hatch. Reticulated pythons lay between 10 and about 100 eggs. These eggs are ‘incubated’ at 88-90 ° F (31-32 ° C) for 80-90 days, even more than 100 days. The female snake will circle the eggs while contracting. This movement of the muscles generates heat which will raise the temperature of the eggs several degrees above the ambient temperature. The female will guard these eggs from predators until they hatch.
Reproduction session : September – March
Incubation periods : 80 – 90 day
Independent age : at birth
Baby name : –
Baby carrying : 10 – 100 eggs
Population
Population status : Least concern (LC)
NE
DD
LC
NT
VU
EN
CR
EW
EX
Population threats
This species is hunted primarily for its hides, but also for food, traditional medicine and domestic animals in most of its territory. These snakes are hunted for their meat for the domestic market, but exported abroad on demand. However, although this species is not considered to be at risk of extinction globally either through hunting or habitat loss, over-exploitation coupled with extensive habitat loss especially in Indochina is driven by agricultural conversion can lead to the loss of regional subpopulations, and can negatively impact subpopulations throughout the snake region.
Population number
The IUCN Red List is still categorized as “least concern” in terms of its wide distribution, adaptability and abundance even in some areas where it is subject to massive exploitation.
PHOTO GALLERY
Reference
- Malayopython reticulatus Wikipedia article
- Stuart, B., Thy, N., Chan-Ard, T., Nguyen, T.Q., Grismer, L., Auliya, M., Das, I. & Wogan, G. 2018. Python reticulatus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T183151A1730027
- McKay, J.L. 2006. Reptil and Amphibi di Bali. Krieger Publishing Company, Florida, USA.