Burmese Python (Python bivittatus)

Burmese Python Python bivittatus
Name	Burmese Python
Name Lat.	Python bivittatus
Synonym	Python molurus bivittatus
Family	Pythons
Family lat.	Pythonidae
Order	Scaled Reptiles
Order lat.	Squamata
Origin	Southeast Asia
Habitat	Forests, shrubland
Diet	Small mammals, birds
Humidity	70-90 %
Behavior	Nocturnal, peaceful
Keeping	Individual, pair, group
Care Level	Experts only
Reproduction	Oviparous
Housing	Semi-humid terrarium
Life Span	25-30 years
Protection	CITES Appendix II; EU Annex B
Metric Units
Size	370 cm
Temperature	24-30 °C
Temperature Local	35 °C
Housing Size	300 x 200 x 200 cm
US Units
Size	146"
Temperature	75-86 °F
Temperature Local	95 °F
Housing Size	120" x 80" x 80"

Distribution and habitat

The distribution range of the mainly ground-dwelling, crepuscular to nocturnal dark tiger pythons extends from northeast India through Thailand to the Sunda Islands, excluding Borneo and Sumatra. They live in rainforests as well as scrubland and grassland, always near water.

Maintenance

Minimum dimensions for the terrarium, according to the size and number of animals:

1-2 animals

0,75KL x 0,5KL x 0,5KL (L x W x H)

Body length (KL) is measured on the largest animal. For each additional animal the floor space should be increased by 20%. A terrarium of e.g. L 300 x W 200 x H 200 cm is recommended, which should be placed in a quiet and vibration-free place

They need a terrarium structured with large roots, sturdy climbing branches, bamboo sticks and stones (hiding places and visual protection) with a moisture-retaining substrate, e.g. of peat-earth mixture with foliage, a moist shelter as well as a large, easy-to-clean water basin (approx. 1/4 of the floor area) for bathing. Much of the substrate should be kept slightly moist at all times. Several times a day the inside of the terrarium should be finely sprayed with water (humidity), but a rain or mist system is better.

Temp. day: 24-30 °C

Temp. night: 20-24 °C

Temp. local: up to 35 °C

Humidity: 70-90

Thermostatically controlled floor heating is recommended. Lighting duration must be 12-14 hrs. depending on the season. Daylight fluorescent tubes are ideal.

Diet

According to their size, they feed on guinea pigs, rabbits and other mammals, as well as pigeons, chickens and quails. After acclimation, they often succeed in switching to dead food animals. Juveniles should be offered food every 8-10 days and adults every 14-20 days, with occasional periods of fasting (e.g., skipping a feeding). If the snake is disturbed after feeding, this may result in vomiting of the prey. Generally, it is better to offer several small feeders, rather than one large one. If it does not eat for a long period of time, both the timing and the food should be varied. It is important to fortify the food animals with vitamins and minerals. Since the snake could be injured by live rodents, it should not be left unattended with them.

Reproduction and breeding

Probing by the veterinarian is the only reliable method of sex determination. The female lays 20-60 eggs in a warm, moist trough. The clutch is incubated for 55-85 days, at about 30 °C. By muscle contraction the female can keep the temperature constant. The 40-60 cm large young can be fed with small mice after a few days

The life expectancy can be 20-25 years.

Species protection

The animal population must be reported in writing to the responsible authority immediately after the beginning of the keeping. It is essential to find out about any bans on keeping or permits for keeping dangerous animals in your state or municipality (e.g. public order office).

Protection of species: WA Annex II; EU Annex B. The proof of purchase is the required proof of origin for the animal. Please keep it safe! Your pet store will be happy to provide you with further information.

Important

They are bred in a variety of color mutations. Animals with a length over 4 m are rare and on Bali, Sulawesi and Java there are dark tiger pythons that grow to a maximum of 2.5 m long

If the air temperature in the terrarium is lower than the temperature in the water tank, there is a risk of respiratory infection

When handling, always have snake hooks, protective gloves and cold water ready and have several people available to assist

The terrarium must have good ventilation without drafts and meet the species specific needs. Measuring devices, such as thermometers, hygrometers, etc., are necessary. The lighting has to correspond to the species-specific day-night rhythm and has to be placed in such a way that the animals cannot injure themselves. The terrarium should be locked in such a way that neither unauthorized persons can open it nor the animals can escape. Contamination must be removed regularly

Further literature can be found in your pet store.

References

Text: Christian Sänger; Image: petdata

Source: BMELV (1997): Tierschutzgutachten - Mindestanforderung an die Haltung von Reptilien; ENGELMANN (2006): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Reptilien und Amphibien, Harri Deutsch Verlag

• Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF