Python bivittatus bivittatus

(Kuhl, 1820)

Vernacular names

English : Burmese python
French : Python birman

Classification

Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Family : Pythonidae
Notes : 1 other subspecies known.

Identification

The world’s second biggest python species, growing to about 4 m in length, sometimes growing to 7 or 8 m. Coloration grey-brown with black-edged large brown blotches on back and flanks. Dark yellow arrow-like mark on top of head.

Range and habitat

This subspecies occurs in South-East Asia, from Nepal and east India to South China, south to Malaysia and west Indonesia. Species also found on Sulawesi. Lives in rainforests, grasslands, mangroves, marshlands and wetlands.

Conservation

IUCN RED LIST : VULNERABLE
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species has been alarmingly declining in several areas within its range because of habitat loss and overtrapping for international and local trade.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation