The Burmese Python (Python molurus bivittatus) is the largest subspecies of the Indian Python and one of the six largest snakes in the world, native to a large variation of tropic and subtropic areas of Southern- and Southeast Asia. They are often found near water and are sometimes semi-aquatic, but can also be found in trees. Wild individuals average 3.7 metres (12 ft) long,^[3][4] but may reach up to 5.74 metres (19 ft).^[5]

Some researchers consider the Burmese Python to be a full species, Python bivittatus, and this was followed by IUCN when it recently listed Burmese Python as a Vulnerable species.^[1]

Description

Burmese Pythons are dark-coloured snakes with many brown blotches bordered in black down the back. The perceived attractiveness of their skin pattern contributes to their popularity with both reptile keepers and the leather industry. The pattern is similar in colour, but different in actual pattern from the African Rock Python (Python sebae), sometimes resulting in confusion of the two species outside of their natural habitats.

In the wild, Burmese pythons grow to 3.7 metres (12 ft) on average,^[3][4] while specimens of more than 4 metres (13 ft) are uncommon.^[6][7] In general, individuals over 5 metres are rare.^[6] The record maximum length for Burmese Pythons is held by a female named “Baby”, that lived at Serpent Safari, Gurnee, Illinois, for 27 years. Shortly after death, her actual length was determined to be 5.74 metres (18 ft 10 in). Widely published data of specimens that were reported to have been even several feet longer are not verified.^[5] There are dwarf forms on Java, Bali and Sulawesi. On Bali they reach an average length of 2 metres (6.6 ft)^[8] and on Sulawesi they achieve a maximum of 2.5 metres (8.2 ft).^[9]

Geographic range and habitat

Natural Distribution of the Burmese Python (green) and the Indian Python (red) and interference area (yellow).

The Burmese Python are found throughout Southern- and Southeast Asia, including Eastern India, Nepal, western Bhutan, southeastern Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, northern continental Malaysia, far southern China (Fujian, Jiangxi, Guangdong, Hainan, Guangxi and Yunnan),^[10] Hong Kong, and in Indonesia on Java, southern Sulawesi, Bali and Sumbawa.^[11] Burmese Pythons are also reported from Kinmen, very close to the Chinese mainland but in Taiwanese territory;^[12] Burmese Python belongs to the fauna of Taiwan when Taiwan refers to the Republic of China, but not to the island of Taiwan.

This python is an excellent swimmer and needs a permanent source of water. It can be found in grasslands, marshes, swamps, rocky foothills, woodlands, river valleys, and jungles with open clearings. They are good climbers and have prehensile tails.

Invasive species

United States range in 2007.

An American Alligator devouring a Burmese Python. Photo by Lori Oberhofer, National Park Service.

Python invasion has been particularly extensive in South Florida, where a large number of pythons have made their way to the Everglades.^[13] It has been suggested that the current number of burmese pythons in the Florida everglades has reached a minimum viable population and become an invasive species. Over 1330 (US National Park Service website - Dec 31 2009^[14]) have been captured in the Everglades.

A paper published by the proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggested that bird and coyote populations are threatened, as well as already-rare rival predatory species, such as Florida panthers.^[15]

Florida's Hurricane Andrew is responsible for the destruction of a python breeding facility as well as with possible zoo, warehouse,^[16] and household escapees during Hurricane Andrew.

By 2007, the Burmese Python was already established in Northern Florida, in the coastal areas of the Florida Panhandle (see map). In February 2008, USGS scientists published a projected range map for the US, based on average climate data of the snake's home range and global warming projections, which predicted that by the end of the 21st century these snakes could migrate to and flourish in as much as a third of the continental United States, including all three coasts.^[17] However, a subsequent study produced a map incorporating both climatic extremes and averages which projected that the Burmese python's range as limited to Southern Florida.^[18] Also, this projection was criticized in an unsigned Axcess News article as not having been peer-reviewed.^[19] Burmese Python kept overwinter in an experimental enclosure in South Carolina all died during the study, apparently because they could not properly acclimate to the cold, but most survived extended periods at temperatures below those typical of southern Florida.^[20]

Recently published in Integrative Zoology the study ‘Environmental, physiology and behavior limit the range expansion of invasive Burmese pythons in southeastern USA’ (Jacobson et al. 2012) contradicts the initial USGS study (Reed Rodda 2008) which claimed that non-native Burmese Pythons could expand as far north as the southern one third of the United States. (Jacobson et al. 2012) along with three other cold climate studies, (Avery et al. 2010; Dorcas et al. 2011; Mazzotti et al. 2011) provide a combined claim that the Burmese Python will remain in Southern Florida in the portion know as the Everglades. Furthermore, other reputable herpetologists have commented on the controversial theory positing future migration past the Florida Everglades:

"The National Geographic Society’s Resident Herpetologist, Dr. Brady Barr, has stated, “Climate data reveal that temperatures found in southern Florida simply are not conducive to the long term survival of large tropical snakes. When it gets cold, these snakes die”. Dr. Barr goes on to say, “Feral Hogs are a bigger problem for the Everglades than pythons. The press has sensationalized this story to the point that people think the sky is falling. Hopefully comprehensive research such as Jacobson et al. will put an end to the hysteria.”" ^[21]

Behavior

Burmese Pythons are mainly nocturnal rainforest dwellers.^[22] When younger they are equally at home on the ground and in trees, but as they gain girth they tend to restrict most of their movements to the ground. They are also excellent swimmers, being able to stay submerged for up to half an hour. Burmese Pythons spend the majority of their time hidden in the underbrush. In the northern parts of its range, the Indian python may brumate for some months during the cold season in a hollow tree, a hole in the riverbank or under rocks. Brumation^[23] is biologically distinct from hibernation. While the behaviour has similar benefits, specifically to endure the winter without moving, it also involves preparation of both male and female reproductive organs for the upcoming breeding season. There is controversy over whether the Burmese subspecies is able to brumate.

Burmese Pythons breed in the early spring, with females laying clutches which average 12–36 eggs in March or April. She will remain with the eggs until they hatch, wrapping around them and twitching her muscles in such a way as to raise the ambient temperature around the eggs by several degrees. Once the hatchlings use their egg tooth to cut their way out of their eggs, there is no further maternal care. The newly hatched will often remain inside their egg until they are ready to complete their first shedding of skin, after which they hunt for their first meal.^[24]

Diet

Like all snakes, Burmese Pythons are carnivorous. Their diet consists primarily of appropriately sized birds and mammals. The snake uses its sharp rearward-pointing teeth to seize its prey, then wraps its body around the prey, at the same time contracting its muscles, killing the prey by constriction. They are often found near human habitation due to the presence of rats, mice and other vermin as a food source. However, their equal affinity for domesticated birds and mammals means that they are often treated as pests. In captivity their diet consists primarily of commercially available, appropriately sized rats, and graduates to larger items such as rabbits and poultry as they grow. Exceptionally large pythons may even require larger food items such as pigs or goats, and are known to have attacked and eaten alligators and adult deer in Florida, where they are an invasive species.^[25][26]

Digestion

The digestive response of Burmese Pythons to such large prey has made them a model species for digestive physiology. A fasting python will have a reduced stomach volume and acidity, reduced intestinal mass and a 'normal' heart volume. After ingesting prey, the entire digestive system undergoes a massive remodelling, with rapid hypertrophy of the intestines, production of stomach acid, and a 40% increase in mass of the ventricles of the heart in order to fuel the digestive process.^[27]

Conservation

Leather goods and skins of Burmese python and reticulated python (Python reticulatus reticulatus) at a local shop at Mandalay, Burma

Wild populations are considered to be "threatened" and are listed on Appendix II of CITES. All the giant pythons (including the Indian Python, the African Rock Python, and the Reticulated Python) have historically been slaughtered to supply the world leather market, as well as for folk medicines, and captured for the pet trade. Some are also killed for food, particularly in China.

IUCN has recently listed Burmese Python as "Vulnerable", reflecting its overall population decline. Important reasons for the decline are trade for skins and for food; habitat degradation may be a problem in some upland areas.^[1]

In Hong Kong, it is a protected species under Wild Animals Protection Ordinance Cap 170.

Captivity

Burmese Pythons are often sold as pets, and are made popular by their attractive colour and apparently easy-going nature. However, these animals have a rapid growth rate, and will often exceed 2.1 meters (7 feet) in length in a year if cared for and fed properly. By age 4, they will have reached their adult size, though they continue growing very slowly throughout their lives, which may exceed 20 years.

Although this species has a reputation for docility, they are very powerful animals, capable of inflicting severe bites or even killing a keeper by constriction.^[28] They also consume large amounts of food, and due to their size, require large, often custom-built, secure enclosures, which can be very expensive. As a result some are released to the wild by irresponsible pet owners. For this reason, some jurisdictions (including Florida^[29]) have placed restrictions on the keeping of Burmese Pythons as pets.

A secondary problem with feeding Burmese pythons is that many owners believe if a snake acts hungry, that it should be fed. As Burmese pythons are opportunistic feeders, they will eat almost any time food is offered, and often act hungry even when they have recently eaten. This often leads to overfeeding, and obesity-related problems are common in captive Burmese pythons.

Handling

Audience volunteers holding an adult Burmese python.

Although pythons are typically afraid of people due to their high stature, and will generally avoid people, special care is still required when handling them. A three-metre long Burmese python can easily kill a child^[30] and a five-metre long (around 16.5 feet) Burmese python is certainly capable of overpowering and killing a fully grown adult.

Variations

Caramel Burmese Python.

The Burmese python is frequently captive-bred for colour, pattern, and more recently size. Its albino form is especially popular and is the most widely available morph. They are white with patterns in butterscotch yellow and burnt orange. There are also "labyrinth" specimens, which have mazelike patterns; khaki-coloured "green"; and "granite", which have many small angular spots. Breeders have recently begun working with an island lineage of Burmese pythons. Early reports indicate that these "dwarf" Burmese have slightly different colouring and pattern from their mainland relatives and do not grow much over 2.1 metres (7 ft) in length. One of the most sought-after of these variations is the leucistic Burmese. This particular variety is very rare, and has only recently (2008/2009) been reproduced in captivity as the homozygous form (referred to as "super" by reptile keepers) of the codominant hypomelanistic trait. This snake is entirely bright white with no pattern and black eyes, thus precluding it from being a true albino. The caramel Burmese python has caramel-coloured pattern with "milk-chocolate" eyes.

See also

• Burmese Pythons in Florida
• Exploding snake
• IBD, a viral disease affecting Pythons

Footnotes

References

• Mattison, Chris (1999). Snake. DK Publishing. ISBN 0-7894-4660-X.
• Anapsid.org: Burmese Python

Further reading

• Bryan Christy: The Lizard King: The True Crimes and Passions of the World's Greatest Reptile Smugglers. New York: TWELVE, 2008 ISBN 978-0-446-58095-3