Papuan (olive) python
Physical features
Papuan pythons can grow up to 4-5 meters in length and 22 kilograms in weight.
The color of a Papuan Python is olive green but can sometimes be nearly black.
The sides and underside are distinctly lighter from the rest of the body.
This reptile has a blue tongue and lining of the mouth.
Range and Habitat
Range – Papua New Guinea
Habitat – Dense Forests
Diet: Carnivore
Wild – birds, other snakes and mammals
Zoo – Rats, mice, rabbits, and quail
Lifespan
Wild – Unknown
Zoo – Unknown
Reproduction
Little is known about the breeding habits of Papuan pythons.
Reaches maturity from 6-8 years.
Conservation: Least Concern
Habitat loss is a likely threat to this species.
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.
References
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
Apodora Papuana - Papuan Olive Python - Pythonidae. (n.d.). Retrieved January 19, 2015, from http://www.pythonidae.nl/pythons-apodora-papuana.html
Apodora. (2005, January 21). Retrieved January 19, 2015, from http://apodora.blogspot.com/2005/01/papuan-python-background.html
Updated January 2015