Timor python

Physical features

These snakes are non-venomous but powerful constrictors.
They reach lengths of 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters).
The front ⅓ to ½ of the snake is yellow with darker markings while the rest of the snake is a uniform brownish color with a high degree of iridescence.

Range – Indo-Pacific; Indonesian islands (Lesser Sunda, Flores, Lombien Islands)
Habitat – forests; This species is semi-arboreal and will spend extended periods of time in the trees.
This species is not actually native to Timor Island. Although improperly named for the Island of Timor, this python has never been observed natively there. It was improperly named because it was first shipped from Timor when collected but has never been observed on Timor. The confusion may have also come from observations of the somewhat similar looking Macklott’s python which does occur on Timor. Many prefer the common name “Lesser Sundas python.”

Timor pythons lay eggs and like many python species, the female coils around her clutch and broods them through hatching.

Primary threats include development of tourist recreation areas, new roads, and clearing of land for agricultural usage.
These snakes have also been impacted by over-collection for the international animal trade.

Posses a series of heat-sensing pits between their nostrils and mouth that they use to detect warm blooded prey in the darkness. These pits connect to the optic nerve as essentially allow these snakes to see in infrared.
Even though they are cold-blooded (meaning their body temperature is determined by their surrounding tempura), through a series of twitches and/or contractions, Timor pythons can raise their body temperatures during egg brooding. If the female detects the eggs are too warm, she loosens her coils to allow more air flow to cool them down.

EOL: Encyclopedia of life (online). Python timorienis .2015. Accessed at http://eol.org/pages/1055450/overview
Fowler, J., Barnes R. 2015. Lesser Suda Python or Timor Python (online). Accessed at http://australianherpetology.com/PythonsoftheWorld/timorpython.html
Lilley, R., Rusli, N., Stubbs, A. & Arida, E. 2021. Malayopython timoriensis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T104842394A104854030. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-2.RLTS.T104842394A104854030.en. Accessed on 16 November 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.
Reed, Rholda. USGS. Giant Constrictors (online). Accessed at http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2009/1202/pdf/OF09-1202.pdf
Zoo Atlanta Animal Care Team

Updated September 2024

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