Burmese Python - Python molurus bivittatus
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General Information

Distribution — Southeast Asia including Cambodia, Vietnam, Burma, Laos

Habitat — Hot, humid, jungles.

Adult Size — The Burmese Python is one of the giant snakes that myth and legend are made of. This species can attain lengths upwards of 7 meters (approx. 20+ feet) and weigh as much as 115 kg (approx. 250 lbs.). Currently, one of the largest Burmese Pythons in captivity is a female that is 6.7 meters (22 feet) and weighs almost 136 kg (approx. 300 lbs.).

Temperament — Burmese Pythons are known for there docile temperament. Young Burmese, like most young snakes, can get defensive quickly and may bite but this behaviour usually subsides as the animal grows. Since they have such a good disposition, Burmese Pythons are probably the most common giant snake found in the pet trade.

Longevity — A burmese can be expected to live between 20 and 25 years in captivity.

Captive Care

Rating: 4 — Due to this animals good nature and feeding habits it gets a better rating than any other large constrictor; however, due to its adult size, it is potentially dangerous. This species is banned within the GTA because adults easily attain lengths greater than 3 meters. Burmese pythons frequently contract respiratory problems.

Diet: Young - rats and other small to medium sized rodents; Adults - large rodents, small mammals, birds

Temperature: 25OC to 28OC (85 to 90 F) during the day and down to 23OC (80 F) at night.

Space: Due to its large adult size, this snake requires a very large enclosure to adequately house it; therefore, it is not well suited to being kept at home.

Breeding: Mating season is between the months of November and March with oviposition (egg laying) occurring from January through to May. The eggs gestate for 2 to 2.5 months before hatching depending on incubation temperatures.

Special Requirements: This snake is one of the few species of constrictors that can kill a human. Burmese Pythons like all large snakes command a great deal of respect. Unfortunately, there docile disposition often lulls their keepers into a false sense of security which often puts the keeper in a dangerous situation. These animals should only be kept by mature keepers with the adequate space to house the animal.

Sources (Suggested Reading):

Coburn, John. 1994. Burmese Pythons. TFH Publications, Inc. Neptune City, NJ. Pp. 64.

De Vosjoli, Philippe. 1991. The General Care and Maintenance of Burmese Pythons. Advanced Vivarium Systems, Lakeside, CA. Pp.44.

Mattison, Chris. 1995. Keeping and Breeding Snakes. Cassell Publishing, London, UK. Pp. 184.

Ross, Richard A. and Gerald Marzec. 1990. The Reproductive Husbandry of Pythons and Boas. The Institute for Herpetological Research Stanford, California. Pp. 270.

Stoops, Erik d. and Annette T. Wright. 1993. Boas & Pythons: Breeding and Care. TFH Publications, Inc. Neptune City, NJ. Pp. 192.

Walls, Jerry G. 1998. The Living Pythons: A Complete Guide to the Pythons of the World. TFH Publications, Inc. Neptune City, NJ. Pp. 256.

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