It�s A Python, Not A Cobra

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(MOHD NAWAYAI BIN YASAK)

Pengarah Bahagian Konservasi Biodiversiti

Jabatan Perlindungan Hidupan Liar dan

Taman Negara (PERHILITAN)

KM 10 Jalan Cheras

56100 Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia

Venom:�These snakes are powerful constrictors and possess no venom.

Habitat:�This species can be found in a wide variety of habitats. They occur in�rainforests,�woodland�and even open�grasslands. They are dependent on water and as a result are excellent swimmers. Records show that they are able to cross large bodies of sea water resulting in their colonisation of many islands. They are also found in close proximity to human settlements where domestic livestock and household pets are often preyed upon.�

Habits:�Despite popular beliefs this species is not aggressive. Like most snakes it will avoid confrontation unless provoked.
They are primarily�nocturnal�and�solitary�in nature.

These pythons are ambush predators although records show that they sometimes actively forage for food. In captivity they are renowned for having an explosive feeding response, which may be misunderstood as aggressive behaviour.
Unlike the Anaconda,they are adept climbers, particularly as juveniles.

Reproduction:�Declining temperatures and shorter days precipitate the breeding season. Typically this falls between the months of�September�through to�March. Both Female and male python reach sexual maturity within the first 2-5years of life. Males typically need to be between�2.1m – 2.7m�(7-9ft) in order to breed, and females�3.3m�(11ft).

Pythons, unlike boas, are�oviparous�(lay eggs). Clutch sizes vary from 20 – 100 soft leathery eggs, depending on the size of the female. Unlike most snakes, but typical of many python species, the female coils around the eggs until they are ready to hatch. This particular behaviour is known as�“brooding”. By doing this, the female is able to control the temperature of the eggs. The eggs need to remain close to 31.66 degrees Celsius (89 degrees Fahrenheit), during the incubation period. The female�“shivers”�which produces muscle contractions which increases the overall temperature of the eggs.

The incubation period lasts between 82-90 days.
There is no further parental care once the eggs have hatched.�

Diet:�Their size alone, allows the Reticulated python a wide variety of prey species. As juveniles, the main prey items are small birds and rodents. As adults, prey may include civets, mongoose, monkeys, pigs, and even porcupines.