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Physical features
Physical features
Papuan pythons can grow up to 4-5 meters (13-16.5 feet) in length and 22 kilograms (about 48.5 pounds) in weight.
Males and females are similar in size. On average, females are slightly heavier.
The color of a Papuan python is olive green but can sometimes be nearly black with a high degree of iridescence.
The sides and underside are distinctly lighter from the rest of the body.
This reptile has a blue-black tongue and lining of the mouth.
Range and Habitat
Range and Habitat
Range – Papua New Guinea
Habitat – Dense Forests
Diet: Carnivore
Diet: Carnivore
Wild – birds, other reptiles, and mammals
Zoo – Rats, mice, rabbits, and quail
Lifespan
Lifespan
Wild – Unknown
Zoo – 20+ years
Reproduction
Reproduction
Little is known about the breeding habits of Papuan pythons.
Reaches maturity from 6-8 years.
Conservation: Least Concern
Conservation: Least Concern
Habitat loss is a likely threat to this species.
Although populations are overall considered stable and the species has a relatively large range, there is a high degree of fragmentation between populations which could limit gene flow and genetic diversity.
This species is listed in CITES Appendix II.
Interpretive Information
Interpretive Information
Papuan pythons are not often seen in captivity and rarely bred.
Although they reach lengths of over 4 meters, they are relatively thin-bodied snakes.
These snakes are incredibly strong constrictors.
The genus name of this python, Apodora (from Greek and meaning "peeling of the skin"), is a reference to this species' relatively thin skin which can scar easily.
References
References
Apodora. (2005, January 21). Retrieved January 19, 2015, from http://apodora.blogspot.com/2005/01/papuan-python-background.html
Apodora Papuana - Papuan Olive Python - Pythonidae. (n.d.). Retrieved January 19, 2015, from http://www.pythonidae.nl/pythons-apodora-papuana.html
CITES: https://www.speciesplus.net/species#/taxon_concepts/4588/legal accessed 13 Nov 2023.
Myers, P., R. Espinosa, C. S. Parr, T. Jones, G. S. Hammond, and T. A. Dewey. 2015. The Animal Diversity Web (online). Accessed at http://animaldiversity.org.
Papuan Olive Python (Apodora papuana). (n.d.). Retrieved January 19, 2015, from http://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/32136-Apodora-papuana#Behavior
Tallowin, O., O'Shea, M. & Parker, F. 2018. Apodora papuana. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T13300623A13300631. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T13300623A13300631.en. Accessed on 13 November 2023.
The Reptile Database: https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Apodora&species=papuana accessed 13 Nov 2023.
Zoo Atlanta Animal Care Team
Updated September 2024
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