Burmese python
Burmese Python | |
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Burmese Python | |
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Subspecies: | P.m.bivittatus
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The Burmese Python (Python molurus bivittatus) is the largest subspecies of the Indian Python. It is also one of the 6 largest snakes in the world.
Description
Burmese Pythons are dark-coloured snakes with many brown blotches, edged with black, down their back. It can grow up to 3.7 metres (12 ft) long, but some may reach up to 4 metres (13 feet). The longest Burmese Python ever recored was a female named "Baby" which lived in the Serpent Safari, Gurnee, Illinois and lived for 27 years. When "Baby" died it was 5.74 metres (18 ft).
Where it lives
The Burmese Python is found throughout Southern and Southeast Asia including Eastern India, Nepal, Western Bhutan, Southeast Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Northern Malaysia, far southern China, Indonesia, Southern Sulawesi, Bali and Sumbawa. It is a great swimmer and a good climber. It lives in grasslands, marshes, swamps, woodlands, river valleys, and jungles with open clearings.
Diet
The Burmese Python, like all types of snakes, are carnivorous. They mainly eat birds and mammals like mice, rats, rabbits, pigs and goats. Some have been seen eating larger animals like alligators and deers.