Green tree python

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Green tree python
Morelia-viridis.jpg
Berlin Aquarium
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Pythonidae
Genus: Morelia
Species:
M. viridis
Binomial name
Morelia viridis
(Schlegel, 1872)
Synonyms [2]

The green tree python (Morelia viridis), is a species of snake in the family Pythonidae. The species is native to New Guinea, some islands in Indonesia, and the Cape York Peninsula in Australia. First described by Hermann Schlegel in 1872, it was known for many years as Chondropython viridis. As its common name suggests, it is a bright green snake that can reach a total length (including tail) of 2 m (6.6 ft) and a weight of 1.6 kg (3.5 lb), with females slightly larger and heavier than males. Living generally in trees, the green tree python mainly hunts and eats small reptiles and mammals. It is a popular pet, and numbers in the wild have suffered with large-scale smuggling of wild-caught green tree pythons in Indonesia. Despite this, the green tree python is rated as least concern on the IUCN Red List of endangered species.

Contents

Taxonomy

German naturalist Hermann Schlegel described the green tree python in 1872 as Python viridis, [3] from two specimens collected in the Aru Islands of Indonesia. [4] His countryman Adolf Bernhard Meyer erected the genus Chondropython (though recognised similarity to Morelia ) and described the green tree python as Chondropython azureus in 1874, [5] from a specimen collected in "Kordo", later determined to be Korido on Biak Island. This was destroyed in World War II. [6] French naturalist Henri Émile Sauvage described Chondropython pulcher from a specimen from Mansinam Island, Irian Jaya.

For many years, the green tree python was classified as the only species of the genus Chondropython, with the binomial name C. viridis. In 1993, Professor Arnold G. Kluge published a detailed phylogenetic analysis that found that the green tree python was nested within the genus Morelia and most closely related to the rough-scaled python (M. carinata). [7] Hence, it became Morelia viridis. Two studies of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA published in 2013 and 2014 came up with differing results, one confirming the species in Morelia, the other placing it as an early offshoot with the Children's python genus Antaresia . This latter result was thought anomalous by later researchers. [6]

Raymond Hoser described the Australian population as a separate subspecies Chondropython viridis shireenae, after his wife Shireen, noting that the taxon consistently had white markings along the backbone, whereas snakes from New Guinea and Indonesia only sometimes had this trait, and the molecular analysis would bear out the distinctness. [8] A genetic study by Lesley Rawlings and Stephen Donnellan in 2003 of mitochondrial DNA of the green tree python found two distinct lineages: a southern lineage comprising populations of Australia, the Aru Islands, and New Guinea south of the central highlands, and a northern lineage of New Guinea north of the central highlands and the Vogelkop Peninsula, and Biak Island. The two likely diverged around 5 million years ago with the rising of the central mountain range in New Guinea. The authors suggested this might explain poor breeding success in Australia if people were unknowingly trying to breed the northern and southern green tree pythons, as they were not closely related. The two taxa are indistinguishable in appearance. [9]

Description

M. viridis Gruenebaumpython4cele4.jpg
M. viridis

The green tree python is characterized by a relatively slim body. The relatively long tail accounts for about 14% of the total length. The head is large and clearly defined from the neck. The snout is large and angular. The body is triangular in cross section with a visible spine. The species usually reaches a total length (including tail) of 150–180 cm (4.9–5.9 ft), but large females may reach 200 cm (6.6 ft). The size also varies depending on the region of origin. The weight is highly dependent upon the nutritional status of the animal. Males can weigh about 1,100–1,400 g (2.4–3.1 lb), females up to 1,600 g (3.5 lb), although wild specimens are typically much lighter than this. Especially large specimens that can weigh up to 2,200 g (4.9 lb) are invariably females, which, like most snakes, are slightly larger and heavier than males.[ citation needed ]

Distribution and habitat

M. viridis is found in Indonesia (Misool, Salawati, Aru Islands, Schouten Islands, most of Western New Guinea), Papua New Guinea (including nearby islands from sea level to 1,800 m elevation, Normanby Island and the d'Entrecasteaux Islands) and Australia (Queensland along the east coast of the Cape York Peninsula). The type locality given is "Aroe-eilanden" (Aru Islands, Indonesia). [2]

This species is sympatric with M. spilota and the two often compete in the same ecological niche.

The preferred natural habitat of M. viridis is in or near rainforest, and the species is primarily arboreal, residing in trees, shrubs, and bushes. Occasionally, it is seen on the ground. [2]

Biology

Behaviour

Primarily arboreal, M. viridis has a particular way of resting in the branches of trees; it loops a coil or two over the branches in a saddle position and places its head in the middle of its loops. [10] This trait is shared with the emerald tree boa (Corallus caninus) of South America. This habit, along with their similar appearance, has caused people to confuse the two species when they are seen outside their natural habitat.[ citation needed ]

Diet

The diet of green tree pythons consists mostly of small mammals, such as murid rodents ( Melomys capensis , M. cervinipes , Mus domesticus , Rattus leucopus , other Rattus spp.), and sometimes reptiles, such as geckos and skinks ( Carlia longipes ), and invertebrates. [11] [12] This snake, like the emerald tree boa, was previously thought to eat birds; however, Switak conducted field work on this issue. In examining stomach contents of more than 1,000 animals, he did not find any evidence of avian prey.[ citation needed ] Prey is captured by holding onto a branch using the prehensile tail and striking out from an S-shaped position and constricting the prey. Wild specimens have also been observed and photographed wrapped around the base of small tree trunks facing down in an ambush position, presumably waiting for ground mammals to prey upon.[ citation needed ]

Reproduction

Maroon M. viridis neonate JBR 7494.jpg
Maroon M. viridis neonate
Yellow juvenile Green Tree Python juvenile A22I6572.jpg
Yellow juvenile

M. viridis is oviparous, laying one to 25 viable eggs per clutch. Breeding has never been reported from the wild, but in captivity, eggs are incubated and protected by the female. Hatchlings are lemon-yellow with broken stripes and spots of purple and brown; or golden- or orange-red. For yellow individuals at Iron Range National Park, Australia, the color change occurred over 5–10 days when individuals were 58–60 cm (23–23.5 in) long, which corresponds to about a year old. Color change for red juveniles has not been observed in the wild.[ citation needed ]

Human impact

Captivity

The green tree python is often bred and kept in captivity, although it is usually considered an advanced species due to its specific care requirements and generally irritable temperament. However, with proper care, it usually thrives in captivity. [13] It is a popular species among reptile enthusiasts and breeders on account of its adult and juvenile colours. This has led to large numbers being illegally caught in the wild to the detriment of native populations. Transport is hazardous to the snakes' health and up to half are thought to perish in the smuggling process. The species is protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora with its placement on the Appendix II list of vulnerable species, which makes the import, export, and trade of listed wild-caught animals illegal. In 1999, it was fully protected under national legislation in Indonesia. [14]

Despite this, a flourishing illegal trade continues, and wildlife breeding farms were found to be serving as conduits to funnel wild-caught green tree pythons out of Indonesia. Investigation in the provinces of Malukub, West Papua, and Papua from 2009 to 2011 revealed that 80% of green tree pythons exported were caught in the wild, an estimate of around 5337 individuals a year. Harvesting of wild green tree pythons was heaviest in Biak and neighbouring islands, with resulting population decline. [14]

Conservation

In 2010, the green tree python was rated as least concern on the IUCN Red List of endangered species on the basis of its large range and isolated declines in population from smuggling. However, the threat from smuggling for the pet trade was recognised and requires monitoring. [1]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pythonidae</span> Family of snakes

The Pythonidae, commonly known as pythons, are a family of nonvenomous snakes found in Africa, Asia, and Australia. Among its members are some of the largest snakes in the world. Ten genera and 39 species are currently recognized. Being naturally non-venomous, pythons must constrict their prey to induce cardiac arrest prior to consumption. Pythons will typically strike at and bite their prey of choice to gain hold of it; they then must use physical strength to constrict their prey, by coiling their muscular bodies around the animal, effectively suffocating it before swallowing whole. This is in stark contrast to venomous snakes such as the rattlesnake, for example, which delivers a swift, venomous bite but releases, waiting as the prey succumbs to envenomation before being consumed. Collectively, the pythons are well-documented and studied as constrictors, much like other non-venomous snakes, including the boas and even kingsnakes of the New World.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Reticulated python</span> Species of snake

The reticulated python is a python species native to South and Southeast Asia. It is the world's longest snake, and the third heaviest after the green anaconda and Burmese python. It is listed as least concern on the IUCN Red List because of its wide distribution. In several countries in its range, it is hunted for its skin, for use in traditional medicine, and for sale as pets. Due to this, reticulated pythons are one of the most economically important reptiles worldwide.

<i>Morelia</i> (snake) Genus of large snakes

Morelia is a genus of large snakes in the family Pythonidae. The genus is native to Australia, Indonesia, and New Guinea. As of 2024, up to eight species are recognized.

<i>Morelia spilota</i> Species of snake

Morelia spilota, commonly known as the carpet python, is a large snake of the family Pythonidae found in Australia, New Guinea, Bismarck Archipelago, and the northern Solomon Islands. Many subspecies are recognised; ITIS lists six, the Reptile Database six, and the IUCN eight.

<i>Simalia boeleni</i> Species of snake

Simalia boeleni is a species of python, a nonvenomous snake in the family Pythonidae. The species is endemic to the mountains of New Guinea. No subspecies are recognized. Its common names include Boelen's python and the black python.

<i>Apodora</i> Genus of snakes

Apodora papuana is a species of python, commonly known as the Papuan python, Irian python or Papuan olive python. It is found in New Guinea. It is the only species in the genus Apodora. No subspecies are currently recognized.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Emerald tree monitor</span> Species of lizard

The emerald tree monitor or green tree monitor, is a small to medium-sized arboreal monitor lizard. It is known for its unusual coloration, which consists of shades from green to turquoise, topped with dark, transversedorsal banding. This coloration helps camouflage it in its arboreal habitat. Its color also makes the emerald tree monitor highly prized in both the pet trade and zoos alike.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Amethystine python</span> Species of snake

The amethystine python, also known as the scrub python or sanca permata in Indonesian, is a species of non-venomous snake in the family Pythonidae. The species is found in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Popular among reptile enthusiasts, and noted for its coloration and size, it is one of the largest snakes in the world, as measured either by length or weight, and is the largest native snake in Papua New Guinea. Until 2000, the larger S. kinghorni was generally considered a subspecies of S. amethistina, and this change of classification has still not been universally reflected in literature. Because of this issue, S. amethistina has often been described as the largest snake in Australia, but this is not accurate since under the current classification, this species does not occur in Australia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rough-scaled python</span> Species of snake

The rough-scaled python is a large-scaled python species endemic to Australia. No subspecies are currently recognized.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oenpelli python</span> Species of snake

The Oenpelli python or Oenpelli rock python is a species of large snake in the family Pythonidae. The species is endemic to the sandstone massif area of the western Arnhem Land region in the Northern Territory of Australia. There are no subspecies that are recognised as being valid. It has been called the rarest python in the world. Two notable characteristics of the species are the unusually large size of its eggs and its ability to change colour. It is the longest snake native to the Northern Territory.

Green tree snake may refer to either of the following non-venomous snakes:

<i>Simalia</i> Genus of snakes

Simalia is a genus of snakes in the family Pythonidae.

<i>Morelia spilota spilota</i> Subspecies of snake

Morelia spilota spilota is a subspecies of carpet python, popularly known as the diamond python. It is a medium to large snake, found in coastal areas and adjacent ranges of south-eastern Australia. It is the most southerly occurring python in the world and is found at higher altitudes than any other species of Australian python.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Timor python</span> Species of snake

The Timor python is a python species found in Southeast Asia. A dwarf species, no subspecies are recognized as being valid. Like all pythons, it is a nonvenomous constrictor; unlike larger species such as the reticulated python, it is not considered dangerous to humans.

<i>Morelia spilota variegata</i> Subspecies of snake

Morelia spilota variegata, commonly known as Torresian carpet python, Darwin carpet python or northwestern carpet python, is a subspecies of python found in New Guinea and Australia, smaller than the nominate subspecies Morelia spilota spilota and has a more restricted geographic range.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boa constrictor</span> Species of snake

The boa constrictor, also known as the common boa, is a species of large, non-venomous, heavy-bodied snake that is frequently kept and bred in captivity. The boa constrictor is a member of the family Boidae. The species is native to tropical South America. A staple of private collections and public displays, its color pattern is highly variable yet distinctive. Four subspecies are recognized.

<i>Simalia tracyae</i> Species of snake

Simalia tracyae, the Halmahera python, is a species of python found only on the Indonesian island of Halmahera. It belongs to the family Pythonidae and the genus Simalia. This snake was previously believed to have belonged to the Simalia amesthistina species; however, studies in recent years have caused scientists to distinguish between the two types of snakes, resulting in the reclassification of the Halmahera python as its own species.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Australian scrub python</span> Species of snake

The Australian scrub python, also known commonly as Kinghorn's python and simply as the scrub python is a species of snake in the family Pythonidae. The species is indigenous to forests of northern Australia. It is one of the world's longest and largest snakes, and is the longest and largest in Australia. In 2014 it was reclassified to the genus Simalia alongside a few other former Morelia species, but scientific debate over this continues.

<i>Morelia azurea</i> Species of snake

Morelia azurea is a species of snake. Commonly known as the northern green tree python, this arboreal python was previously included in the Morelia viridis species complex.

References

  1. 1 2 Tallowin O, Parker F, O'Shea M, Hoskin C, Couper P, Amey A (2018). "Morelia viridis". The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T177524A21649845. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T177524A21649845.en.
  2. 1 2 3 McDiarmid RW, Campbell JA, Touré T (1999). Snake Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference, Volume 1. Washington, District of Columbia: Herpetologists' League. 511 pp. ISBN   1-893777-00-6 (series). ISBN   1-893777-01-4 (volume)
  3. ↑ Schlegel, Hermann (1872). De Dierentuin van het Koninklijk Zoölogisch Genootschap Natura Artis Magistra te Amsterdam, Reptilia. Amsterdam. p. 54.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) (in Dutch).
  4. ↑ Australian Biological Resources Study (1 March 2017). "Species Morelia viridis (Schlegel, 1872)". Australian Faunal Directory. Canberra, Australian Capital Territory: Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, Australian Government. Retrieved 20 June 2017.
  5. ↑ Meyer, Adolf Bernhard (1874). "Eine mitteilung von Hrn. Dr. Adolf Bernhard Meyer über die von ihm auf Neu-Guinea den Inseln Jobi, Mysore und Mafoor im Jahr 1873 gesammelten Amphibien ". Monatsberichte der Königlichen Preussischen Akademie der Wissenschaften zu Berlin. 1874: 128–140 [134]. (in German).
  6. 1 2 Barker, David G.; Barker, Tracy M.; Davis, Mark A.; Schuett, Gordon W. (2015). "A review of the systematics and taxonomy of Pythonidae: an ancient serpent lineage". Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 175 (1): 1–19. doi: 10.1111/zoj.12267 .
  7. ↑ Kluge, Arnold G. (1993). "Aspidites and the phylogeny of pythonine snakes" (PDF). Records of the Australian Museum. 19: 1–77 [45]. doi:10.3853/j.0812-7387.19.1993.52. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-09-22. Retrieved 2017-06-22.
  8. ↑ Hoser, Raymond (2003). "Five new Australian pythons". Newsletter Macarthur Herpetological Society (40): 4–9.
  9. ↑ Rawlings, Lesley H.; Donnellan, Stephen C. (2003). "Phylogeographic analysis of the green python, Morelia viridis, reveals cryptic diversity". Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 27 (1): 36–44. doi:10.1016/S1055-7903(02)00396-2. PMID   12679069.
  10. ↑ "Зеленый древесный питон- купить зеленого питона в ExoticAAnimals". Archived from the original on 2015-11-19. Retrieved 2015-11-18.
  11. ↑ Shine, Richard; Slip, David J. (1990). "Biological aspects of the adaptive radiation of Australasian pythons (Serpentes: Boidae)" (PDF). Herpetologica. 46: 283–290.
  12. ↑ Morelia viridis (Green tree python). (n.d.). Animal Diversity Web. https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Morelia_viridis/
  13. ↑ Kivit, Ron; Wiseman, Stephen (2005). The Green Tree Python and Emerald Tree Boa - Care, Breeding and Natural History. Kirschner & Seufer Verlag. ISBN   3-9808264-0-6.
  14. 1 2 Lyons, Jessica A.; Natusch, Daniel JD (2011). "Wildlife laundering through breeding farms: illegal harvest, population declines and a means of regulating the trade of green pythons (Morelia viridis) from Indonesia". Biological Conservation. 144 (12): 3073–81. Bibcode:2011BCons.144.3073L. doi:10.1016/j.biocon.2011.10.002.
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