Burmese Python

Python bivittatus

Fascinating Facts

• Females shiver/twitch their muscles to keep their clutch of up to 100 eggs warm during incubation (2-3 months).
• They can hold their breath for up to 30 minutes when swimming.
• This species is threatened by illegal trade as pets and for their skin.
• Former pets were released into the Everglades in the Southern US and the growing population is now a major threat to local species.
• Pythons lack fangs; they have a row of backwards-facing teeth that prevent prey from escaping their jaws.

Habitat/Diet

Most commonly found in mangrove forests and rainforests, but occasionally also in grasslands, marshes, streams and rivers. Good climbers and expert swimmers, they are non-venomous constrictors that feed on mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians.

Status in the Wild

Vulnerable – IUCN 2012

Range

Southeast Asia and India

Location in the Zoo

Reptiles and Birds Zone of the Sculpture Learning Plaza