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General Information About the Burmese Python (Python molurus bivittatus)
The Burmese python is found throughout southeast Asia including Burma, Thailand, Vietnam, China, and Indonesia. Wild populations are considered to be "threatened" and are listed on Appendix II of CITES. All the giant pythons, including the Indian Python, the African Rock Python, and the Reticulated Python, have historically been slaughtered to supply the world leather market, as well as for folk medicines, and captured for the pet trade. In more recent years extensive captive breeding of the Burmese Python has made the importation of wild caught specimens for the pet trade uncommon.
The Burmese Python (or Burm), is one of the 5 largest snakes in the world today. Unfortunately, this distinction, also makes it a "cool" snake to own and many are bought each year but unsuspecting people who have no idea what they are getting themselves into. This is not a beginner snake! These snakes grow quickly and can reach lengths of over 8 feet in just one year. An adult can reach lengths of 18 to 23 feet and weigh in at over 200 lbs. The Burm is the snake that is most likely to end up in shelters and rescues as adults. Due to the size and requirements of the snake, most people who purchase them as babies cannot keep up with the snake's needs once the snake reaches adulthood. Owning one of these giants snakes is a lifelong committment. The average lifespan in captivity is over 25 years.
Burmese Pythons are light colored snakes with many dark brown blotches bordered in black down the back. Their perceived attractiveness of their skin pattern contributes to their popularity with both reptile keepers and the leather industry. The pattern is similar in color, but different in actual pattern to the African Rock Python (Python sebae), sometimes resulting in confusion of the two species outside of their natural habitats.
Burmese Pythons are diurnal rainforest dwellers. When younger they are equally at home on the ground and in trees, but as they gain girth they tend to restrict most of their movements to the ground. They are also excellent swimmers. Like all diurnal snakes, Burmese Pythons spend the majority of their time basking in the sun to moderate their body temperature, and to aid in digestion of meals.