Black-tailed python, Indian rock python, Asian rock python, Python molurus
Python molurus is a large, nonvenomous python species native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It is known by the common names Indian python, black-tailed python, Indian rock python, and Asian rock python. It is generally lighter colored than the Burmese python and reaches usually 3 m (9 ft 10 in).
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NocturnalNocturnality is an animal behavior characterized by being active during the night and sleeping during the day. The common adjective is "nocturnal",...
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CarnivoreA carnivore meaning 'meat eater' is an organism that derives its energy and nutrient requirements from a diet consisting mainly or exclusively of a...
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TerrestrialTerrestrial animals are animals that live predominantly or entirely on land (e.g., cats, ants, snails), as compared with aquatic animals, which liv...
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Ambush predatorAmbush predators are carnivorous animals that capture or trap prey by stealth, luring, or by (typically instinctive) strategies utilizing an elemen...
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PrecocialPrecocial species are those in which the young are relatively mature and mobile from the moment of birth or hatching. Precocial species are normall...
Oviparous animals are female animals that lay their eggs, with little or no other embryonic development within the mother. This is the reproductive...
A burrow is a hole or tunnel excavated into the ground by an animal to create a space suitable for habitation, temporary refuge, or as a byproduct ...
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BurrowingA burrow is a hole or tunnel excavated into the ground by an animal to create a space suitable for habitation, temporary refuge, or as a byproduct ...
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Not a migrantAnimals that do not make seasonal movements and stay in their native home ranges all year round are called not migrants or residents.
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HibernatingHibernation is a state of minimal activity and metabolic depression undergone by some animal species. Hibernation is a seasonal heterothermy charac...
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starts withIndian pythons are large nonvenomous snakes native to tropical regions of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. They 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 savannahs, swamps, marshes, rocky foothills, woodlands, open forest, 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.
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 Indian python is classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List due to a likely population decline of ~30% over the decade 2010-2020, caused by habitat loss, over-exploitation, and lack of conservation actions.
A genetic study published in 2017 showed that the Burmese pythons in Florida are hybrids with P. molurus.
Due to their diet habits, Indian pythons are important in controlling their prey species including pests, such as rats, mice, rabbits, and various insects.
