Black-tailed python, Indian rock python, Asian rock python
The Indian python (Python molurus) is a large, nonvenomous python species. It is known by the common names Black-tailed python, Indian rock python, and Asian rock python.
Indian pythons are usually whitish or yellowish in color with the blotched patterns varying from tan to dark brown shades. This varies with terrain and habitat. Specimens from the hill forests of the Western Ghats and Assam are darker, while those from the Deccan Plateau and the Eastern Ghats are usually lighter.
Indian pythons are found in India, southern Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and probably in the north of Myanmar. They live in a wide range of habitats, including grasslands and savannas, swamps, marshes, rocky foothills, woodlands, open forests, and river valleys.
Indian pythons lead a solitary life and may be seen in pairs only during the mating season. They are nocturnal and mainly terrestrial creatures. However, they are also very good climbers and can often be seen hanging on branches of trees. Indian pythons are excellent swimmers and are quite at home in the water. They can be wholly submerged in water for many minutes if necessary, but usually, prefer to remain near the bank. They like to shelter in abandoned mammal burrows, hollow trees, dense water reeds, and mangrove thickets. During colder autumn and winter months, these snakes hibernate. Lethargic and slow-moving even in their native habitat, Indian pythons exhibit timidity and rarely try to attack even when attacked. They usually move in a straight line, by "walking on its ribs".
Indian pythons are strict carnivores and feed on mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles.
Indian pythons are oviparous which means they lay eggs. Around 3-4 months after mating females lay up to 100 eggs which they protect and incubate within 2 or 3 months. The hatchlings are 45-60 cm (18-24 in) in length and grow quickly. They become independent soon after hatching and reach reproductive maturity at the age of 2 to 3 years.
The main threats to Indian pythons include habitat loss, collection for the pet trade, and hunting for their skin which is highly valued in the leather trade. These snakes are also often killed for food and because of fear.
The IUCN Red List and other sources don’t provide the number of the Indian python total population size. Currently, this species is classified as Near Threatened (NT) on the IUCN Red List, and its numbers today are decreasing.
Due to their diet habits, Indian pythons are important in controlling their prey species including pests, such as rats, mice, rabbits, and various insects.
