Timor Python

ANIMAL:
Timor Python Malayopython timoriensis

Type of Animal:
Python/Boa

Habitat:
Open forest, grassland

Location(s):
Timor, Flores, Lombien, & a few other Lesser Sunda Islands

Appearance:
Greenish brown w/ dark brown pattern from head to middle before becoming complete brown, often has yellow-orange diamond shapes on it, yellowish on sides/head, head wider than neck

Food/Diet:
Small mammals, birds, small reptiles

Status in Wild:
Threatened

Conservation:
Breeding in zoos, wildlife centers, & herpetoculture

Lifestyle:
Solitary

Additional Info:

Called:
Male
Female
Young: Snakelet
Group: Solitary

Weight:
Male: 12-15 lbs
Female: 18-20 lbs
 
Gestation:
2.5 months

Life Span:
20 years

Body Length:
Male: 5-7 ft
Female: 7-8 ft
Young: 2 ft

Tail Length:
2 ft, same for both sexes

These snakes are semi-arboreal.
 
One of only 2 species in genus Malayopython-other being the giant Reticulated Python.
 
Females help regulate egg temps through shiver movements.
 
Clutches usually have 5-10 eggs.
 
Sexually mature at 3-4 years old.
 
1st shed occurs at around 12 days old.
 
Adults shed every 2 months & like most snakes, shed in 1 piece.
 
Also known as Lesser Sundas Python.
 
Not a very common species in captivity.
 
Most active at night.
 
Like all pythons, they kill prey by constricting/swallowing whole.
 
Most often catch prey by ambush.
 
These snakes very secretive in wild & not much is known about them.

Fun Fact(s):
These pythons are very shy, nervous, & high-strung.
 
Common defense mechanisms are striking, defecating, & biting threat.