Papuan Carpet Python (Morelia spilota harrisoni)

Papuan Carpet Python Morelia spilota harrisoni
Name	Papuan Carpet Python
Name Lat.	Morelia spilota harrisoni
Family	Pythons
Family lat.	Pythonidae
Order	Scaled Reptiles
Order lat.	Squamata
Origin	Australia
Habitat	Forests, shrubland
Diet	Small mammals
Humidity	60-90 %
Behavior	Nocturnal, ♂ territorial
Keeping	Individual, pair, harem
Care Level	Moderate
Reproduction	Oviparous
Housing	Semi-humid terrarium
Life Span	15-20 years
Protection	CITES Appendix II; EU Annex B
Metric Units
Size	150-180 cm
Temperature	28-30 °C
Temperature Local	30-35 °C
Housing Size	140 x 90 x 180 cm
US Units
Size	59"-71"
Temperature	82-86 °F
Temperature Local	86-95 °F
Housing Size	55" x 35" x 70"

Distribution and habitat

The crepuscular and nocturnal semi-arboricolous Papuan Carpet Python are found exclusively (endemically) in southern Papua New Guinea, where they live in sparse eucalypt forests and savannas. During the day they usually stay hidden in hollow tree trunks and caves.

Maintenance

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

1-2 animals

0,75KL x 0,5KL x 1KL (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 140 x W 90 x H 180 cm is recommended, which should be placed in a quiet and vibration-free place.

They need a terrarium structured with roots, branched climbing branches and caves (hiding places and visual protection), a moisture-retaining substrate, e.g. of bark mulch-soil-peat mixture, foliage and sphagnum moss as well as a large, easy to clean water basin (approx. 1/4 of the floor area) for drinking and bathing. Half of the substrate must be kept slightly moist at all times. 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: 28-30 °C

Temp. night: 22-24 °C

Temp. local: up to 35 °C

Humidity: 60-90

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 the veterinarian is the only reliable method of sex determination. The female lays up to 25 eggs and incubates them. The incubation period is 50-70 days at a temperature of about 31 °C. Only after the first moult (2-4 weeks) the 40-45 cm long young animals start to eat (e.g. baby mice)

Life expectancy can be 15-20 years.

Species protection

The animal population must be reported to the competent authority in writing immediately after the start of keeping. 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

Males are very territorial during the mating season, so only one male should be kept in the terrarium at a time

If the air temperature in the terrarium is lower than the temperature in the water tank, there is a risk of respiratory infection. A resting period of 2-3 months at a temperature reduced by2-3 °C is recommended

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: 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