Northern White-lipped Python (Bothrochilus albertisii)

Northern White-lipped Python Bothrochilus albertisii
Name	Northern White-lipped Python
Name Lat.	Bothrochilus albertisii
Synonym	Leiopython albertisii
Family	Pythons
Family lat.	Pythonidae
Order	Scaled Reptiles
Order lat.	Squamata
Origin	New Guinea
Habitat	Rainforests
Diet	Small mammals
Humidity	80-90 %
Behavior	Nocturnal, peaceful
Keeping	Individual, pair
Care Level	Moderate
Reproduction	Oviparous
Housing	Humid terrarium
Life Span	15-20 years
Protection	CITES Appendix II; EU Annex B
Metric Units
Size	200 cm
Temperature	25-30 °C
Temperature Local	30-33 °C
Housing Size	200 x 100 x 150 cm
US Units
Size	79"
Temperature	77-86 °F
Temperature Local	86-91 °F
Housing Size	80" x 40" x 60"

Distribution and habitat

The distribution area of the predominantly crepuscular and nocturnal, ground-living white-lipped pythons is New Guinea and neighboring islands. There they live preferentially in rainforests, near bodies of water into which they retreat when threatened.

Maintenance

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

1-2 animals

1KL x 0,5KL x 0,75KL (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 200 x W 100 x H 150 cm is recommended, which should be placed in a quiet and vibration-free place.

They need a terrarium structured with roots, branched climbing branches, cork tubes and bamboo sticks (hiding places and visual protection), a moisture-retaining substrate, e.g. of bark mulch-soil mixture with peat and foliage and a large, easy-to-clean water basin as drinking vessel and bathing possibility. Much of the substrate should be kept permanently slightly moist. Once a day, preferably in the evening, the inside of the terrarium should be finely sprayed with water (humidity), but a rain or mist system is better.

Temp. day: 25-30 °C

Temp. night: 22-26 °C

Temp. local: up to 33 °C

Humidity: 80-90

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 mice, rats, guinea pigs and other rodents, as well as chicks and pigeons. 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 a veterinarian is a reliable method of sex determination.

The female lays her eggs (up to 20 pieces) in the moist, about 5 cm deep bottom ground and guards the clutch. The incubation period is 60-75 days at a temperature of 29-31 °C

The life expectancy can be 15-20 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). Your pet store will be happy to provide you with further information.

Protection of species: WA appendix II; EU appendix B. The proof of purchase is the required proof of origin for the animal. Please keep it safe!

Important

There are 2 color varieties, a light one in the north and a dark one in the south of New Guinea. If the air temperature in the terrarium is lower than the temperature in the water tank there is a risk of respiratory infection. For the dormancy period, shorten the lighting time by 3-4 hours for 1-3 months and lower the temperature by 3-4 °C, depending on the origin. Wild caught snakes are temperamental and sensitive to disturbances. Always have snake hooks, protective gloves and cold water ready when handling.

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: Franz Lowak

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

• Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF