Family: Boidae (Pythons)
Subfamily Pythoninae (Pythons)

Picture: J. Bulian

Python reticulatus (Broghammerus reticulatus*2) (Reticulated Python)
Thai: (ngoo leuam)

Length:
One of the largest specimens ever was pictured in the January edition of the magazine “Das Tier” (The Animal). The snake was captured in Thailand and, according to the magazine, has a body length of 12, 2 meters and a body weight of 220 kg. This snake has been sold to a snake reserve in Japan. The statement about the length and weight is sure to be inaccurate and probably heavily exaggerated. However it is proved that this snake can grow very long with this illustration of a Python on Siam-Info. The animal is now 7 years old (October 2007) and has already reached a length of 6,5 meters.

Occurrence:
The ReticulatedPython is to be found throughout Thailand. The animals can even be regularly found in the inner city areas of Bangkok.

Behaviour/habitat:
The ReticulatedPython was originally an inhabitant of the flat land woods. It prefers to be near water and is active at twilight and a night. The reticulated Python is a fantastic swimmer and is regular swimming long distances in the sea. Thesespecies were the first reptiles to resettle in the area after the outbreak of the volcano Krakatau on the islands of (Sumatra or) Java in 1888.

Danger:
These snakes are very aggressive and bite at the slightest disturbance. A snake from 4 meters long and upwards poses a danger to humans, not because of its poison, but because of its sheer size.

*2 RAWLINGS et al. transfered Python reticulatuns in the new genus Broghammerus. If this change will be generally accepted remains to be seen.

Picture: J. Bulian

Python brongersmai (Blood python)  Thai: (ngu larm pak ped)

Length:
up to 2.5 meters but mostly less than 2 meters. Pythons which are 2 meters long are extremely rare. In corresponding literature (de Rooj 1917), the maximum length recorded was 300 cm. However this statement is questionable given current information.

Occurrence:
In South Thailand starting from the Krabi province. It can even be frequently found on the vacation island of Phuket.

Behaviour:
The blood python is a flat country inhabitant which often lives in close proximity to swampy areas and water. The animals are also frequently found in the water. When annoyed, the snakes can bite very quickly. They eat rodents and birds. The mating season of the blood python in Thailand is in December and January. Two months after mating the female lays approximately 10 and 15 quite large eggs. The eggs are long, between 140 and 160 mm, and weigh between 90 and 100 grams. The clutch of eggs is incubated by the female and hatches after 65 to 75 days. The offspring are identical to adults in colouring and appearance and are between 33 and 40 cm long at birth. Contrary to most other newborn snakes which shed their first skin within 14 days after the birth, the first skin of the young python is shed after 8 to 12 weeks.

Danger:
Because of the limited size, this snake represents no danger to humans..

Picture: J. Bulian

Python bivittatus (Burmese Python)   Thai:  (ngu larm)

Length: up to 7m
Most examples do remain smaller. The longest example was owned by the owner of a private zoo in Bangkok, Mr. Siah and reached a total length of 8,8 m.

Occurrence: from North Thailand to the Isthmus of Kra

Behaviour/habitat:
The dark Burmese Python is an inhabitant of the grassy countryside with trees and lightly wooded areas. They are often found at the edge of hills and mountains. Specimens have also been found in the inner city areas of Bangkok, although less often than theReticulated Python. These snakes are active at night and at twilight. They eat warm-blooded mammals up to the size of a German shepherd. Just like all pythons, the Burmese Python also lays eggs which it incubates. The temperature of 31° required for incubation is achieved by contracting the muscles. A total of up to 100 eggs can be laid. The largest amount of eggs ever laid was 107 eggs which were approx. 12X6 cm. The young snakes hatch out of their shells after around 58 days.

Danger:
The Burmese Python is more of a peaceful snake and does not tend to bite. A potential danger is present due to its size.