Size: The largest snake species, reaching lengths of 6–7 meters.
Head: Small and elongated, clearly distinct from the neck.
Scales:
Four anterior labial scales on each side, each with a sensory pit (labial pit).
Labial pits are also present on the second and third infralabial scales, and from the twelfth to the seventeenth or eighteenth infralabial scales.
Coloration:
A thin black stripe runs from the snout to the nape of the neck.
Another thin black stripe extends from behind the eye, slanting down towards the corner of the mouth.
Dorsal surface is beige or tan with gray-black blotches that connect to form a reticulated pattern.
Ventral surface and underside of the tail are white or pale yellow with small gray-brown or black spots.
Sexual Dimorphism: Mature females are typically larger than mature males.
Biology and Ecology:
Habitat: Found in open forests, low hills, or scrub savannas, particularly near aquatic environments.
Behavior: Excellent swimmers, with behaviors similar to the Burmese python (Python bivittatus). Primarily nocturnal.
Reproduction: Can lay up to 100 eggs per clutch. The mother python exhibits maternal care, coiling around the eggs.
Incubation: Eggs hatch after approximately 2.5 to 3 months.
Hatchlings: Neonates are approximately 60 to 75 cm in length.
Captive Behavior: In captivity, they prefer to stay in water throughout the day and consume a variety of prey. Diet consists of warm-blooded animals.
Distribution:
Vietnam: Da Nang, Kontum, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Binh Dinh, Khanh Hoa, Binh Phuoc, Tay Ninh, Dong Nai, Long An, Ho Chi Minh City, Kien Giang, Ca Mau, Ba Ria – Vung Tau.
Global: India, Bangladesh, Brunei, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines.
Value:
Aesthetic: This species is valued for its beautiful patterns and colors, making it desirable for aesthetic purposes.
Educational: Commonly kept in parks and zoos for display and environmental education for students.
Status:
Population Decline: A severe population decline has occurred, compounded by habitat degradation and loss, both historically and currently. This is due to environmental exploitation, urbanization, infrastructure development, and unsustainable hunting and illegal trade. Captive breeding efforts have not met demand. This species is still subjected to high levels of hunting in the wild.
Ranking:
CR A1c,d (Critically Endangered)
Conservation Measures:
Listed in CITES Appendix II.
Included in Decree 32/HDBT.
Designated as a Group IB species, strictly prohibited from exploitation and use.
Strict enforcement of regulations prohibiting hunting and illegal trade is crucial.
Establishment of collective breeding farms and encouragement of family-based breeding in areas with traditional snake-catching practices.
