Indian python

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Indian python
Pratik jain dahod python.JPG
Near Nagarhole National Park
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Pythonidae
Genus: Python
Species:
P. molurus
Binomial name
Python molurus
Python molurus Area.svg
Distribution of Indian python
Synonyms
  • Boa molura Linnaeus, 1758
  • Boa ordinata Schneider, 1801
  • Boa cineraeSchneider, 1801
  • Boa castaneaSchneider, 1801
  • Boa albicansSchneider, 1801
  • Boa orbiculataSchneider, 1801
  • Coluber boaeformis Shaw, 1802
  • Python bora Daudin, 1803
  • Python tigrisDaudin, 1803
  • Python ordinatusDaudin, 1803
  • Python javanicus Kuhl, 1820
  • Python jamesonii Gray, 1842
  • Python (Asterophis) tigris Fitzinger, 1843

The Indian python (Python molurus) is a large python species native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. [3] It is also known by the common names black-tailed python, [4] Indian rock python, and Asian rock python. [5] [6] Although smaller than its close relative the Burmese python, it is still among the largest snakes in the world. It is generally lighter colored than the Burmese python and reaches usually 3 m (9 ft 10 in). [7] Like all pythons, it is nonvenomous.

Contents

Description

Labial heat pits Labial Pits of P molorus.JPG
Labial heat pits

The rock python's color pattern is whitish or yellowish with the blotched patterns varying from tan to dark brown shades. This varies with terrain and habitat. Specimens from the hill forests of Western Ghats and Assam are darker, while those from the Deccan Plateau and Eastern Ghats are usually lighter. [8] All pythons are non-venomous.

The nominate subspecies occurring in India typically grows to 3 m (9 ft 10 in). [7] [8] This value is supported by a 1990 study in Keoladeo National Park, where 25% of the python population was 2.7–3.3 m (8 ft 10 in – 10 ft 10 in) long. Two individuals even measured nearly 3.6 m (11 ft 10 in). [9]

Because of confusion with the Burmese python, exaggerations, and stretched skins in the past, the maximum length of this subspecies is difficult to tell. The longest scientifically recorded specimen, collected in Pakistan, was 4.6 m (15 ft 1 in) long and weighed 52 kg (114 lb 10 oz). In Pakistan, Indian pythons commonly reach a length of 2.4–3.0 m (7 ft 10 in – 9 ft 10 in). [10]

Differs from Burmese python (Python bivittatus) by the following signs:

Distribution and habitat

Bannerghatta National Park Indian Rock Python.jpg
Bannerghatta National Park

The Indian python occurs in nearly all of the Indian Subcontinent south of the Himalayas, including southern Nepal and Bhutan, Sri Lanka, southeastern Pakistan, Bangladesh, and probably in northern Myanmar. [12] It lives in a wide range of habitats, including grasslands, swamps, marshes, rocky foothills, woodlands, open forest, and river valleys. It needs a reliable source of water. [13] It hides in abandoned mammal burrows, hollow trees, dense water reeds, and mangrove thickets. [8]

Behavior

Swimming at Keoladeo National Park Indian python Python molurus.jpg
Swimming at Keoladeo National Park

Lethargic and slow moving even in their native habitat, they exhibit timidity and rarely try to attack even when attacked. Locomotion is usually with the body moving in a straight line, by "walking on its ribs". They are excellent swimmers and are quite at home in water. They can be wholly submerged in water for many minutes if necessary, but usually prefer to remain near the bank.

Feeding

Swallowing a chital in Mudumalai National Park MNP Python at Moyer.jpg
Swallowing a chital in Mudumalai National Park

Like all snakes, Indian pythons are strict carnivores and feed on mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians indiscriminately, but seem to prefer mammals. [14] Roused to activity on sighting prey, the snake advances with a quivering tail and lunges with an open mouth. Live prey is constricted and killed. One or two coils are used to hold it in a tight grip. The prey, unable to breathe, succumbs and is subsequently swallowed head first. After a heavy meal, they are disinclined to move. If forced to, hard parts of the meal may tear through the body. Therefore, if disturbed, some specimens disgorge their meal to escape from potential predators. After a heavy meal, an individual may fast for weeks, the longest recorded duration being 2 years. The python can swallow prey bigger than its diameter because the jaw bones are not connected. Moreover, prey cannot escape from its mouth because of the arrangement of the teeth (which are reverse saw-like).[ citation needed ]

Reproduction

Eggs Clutch of Python molurus eggs.JPG
Eggs
A juvenile Juvenile Indian Rock Python ( P molurus) in a pensive moment.JPG
A juvenile

Oviparous, up to 100 eggs are laid by a female, which she protects and incubates. [13] Towards this end, they are capable of raising their body temperature above the ambient level through muscular contractions. [15] The hatchlings are 45–60 cm (18–24 in) in length and grow quickly. [13] An artificial incubation method using climate-controlled environmental chambers was developed in India for successfully raising hatchlings from abandoned or unattended eggs. [16]

Conservation status

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. [1]

A genetic study published in 2017 showed that the Burmese pythons in Florida are hybrids with P. molurus. [17]

Taxonomy

In the literature, one other subspecies may be encountered: P. m. pimbura Deraniyagala, 1945, which is found in Sri Lanka.

The Burmese python (P. bivittatus) was referred to as a subspecies of the Indian python until 2009, when it was elevated to full species status. [18] The name Python molurus bivittatus is found in older literature.

In culture

Kaa, a large and old Indian python, is featured as one of Mowgli's mentors in Rudyard Kipling's 1894 collection The Jungle Book .

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 suffocate it 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Burmese python</span> Species of large, nonvenomous snake

The Burmese python is one of the largest species of snakes. It is native to a large area of Southeast Asia and is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Until 2009, it was considered a subspecies of the Indian python, but is now recognized as a distinct species. It is an invasive species in Florida as a result of the pet trade.

Beddome's worm snake is a species of harmless blind snake in the family Gerrhopilidae. The species is native to southern India. No subspecies are currently recognized.

<i>Craspedocephalus malabaricus</i> Species of snake

Craspedocephalusmalabaricus, commonly known as Malabar pit viper, Malabar rock pit viper, or rock viper, is a venomous pit viper species endemic to the high-moderate elevations of Western Ghats of southwestern India. Recently this species complex was split into three different species, Craspedocephalus malabaricus, Craspedocephalus travancoricus, Craspedocephalus anamallensis.

<i>Chrysopelea ornata</i> Species of snake

Chrysopelea ornata is a mildly venomous opisthoglyphous (rear-fanged) colubrid snake found in both South and Southeast Asia. Along with the other species in the Chrysopelea genus, the golden tree snake is very unusual, as it is capable of a type of gliding “flight” —mainly utilised during the pursuit of prey animals—from tree-to-tree. This action is also used to great effect for the snake to flee its own potential predators. Currently, three subspecies are recognised. The snake's striking looks, and potential for gliding, have made it a coveted choice for captivity.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hardwicke's rat snake</span> Species of snake

Hardwicke's rat snake, also known commonly as the glossy-bellied racer, Gray's rat snake, and the spotted bellied snake, is a species of snake in the family Colubridae. The species is native to Asia. There are three recognized subspecies.

<i>Ptyas mucosa</i> Species of snake

Ptyas mucosa, commonly known as the Oriental rat snake, dhaman or Indian rat snake, is a common non-venomous species of colubrid snake found in parts of South and Southeast Asia. Dhamans are large snakes. Typical mature total length is around 1.5 to 1.95 m though some exceed 2 m. The record length for this species was 3.7 m, second only to their cousin Ptyas carinata among living colubrid snakes. Despite their large size, oriental ratsnakes are usually quite slender with even a specimen of 2 m commonly measuring 4 to 6 cm only around in diameter. Furthermore, the average weight of ratsnakes caught in Java was around 877 to 940 g, though larger males of over 2.3 m may easily weigh over 2.5 kg (5.5 lb). Their color varies from pale browns in dry regions to nearly black in moist forest areas. Rat snakes are diurnal, semi-arboreal, non-venomous, and fast-moving. Rat snakes eat a variety of prey and are frequently found in urban areas where rodents thrive.

<i>Eryx whitakeri</i> Species of snake

Eryx whitakeri, also commonly known as Whitaker's sand boa or Whitaker's boa, is a species of nonvenomous snake in the subfamily Erycinae of the family Boidae. The species is endemic to India. No subspecies are recognized.

<i>Eryx conicus</i> Species of reptile

Eryx conicus, also known as Russell's sand boa, the Common sand boa or the rough-tailed sand boa, is a species of non-venomous snake in the subfamily Erycinae of the family Boidae. The species is native to Southern Asia. No subspecies are recognised.

<i>Uropeltis macrolepis</i> Species of snake

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

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Burmese pythons in Florida</span> Invasive species in the US state of Florida

Burmese pythons are native to Southeast Asia. However, since the end of the 20th century, they have become an established breeding population in South Florida. The earliest python sightings in Florida date back to the 1930s and although Burmese pythons were first sighted in Everglades National Park in the 1990s, they were not officially recognized as a reproducing population until 2000. Since then, the number of python sightings has exponentially increased with over 30,000 sightings from 2008 to 2010.

Bill CS/SB 318 is an amendment passed by the State of Florida in June 2010 which amends several sections of Chapter 379 of the Florida Statutes (F.S.). Sections 379.231, 379.372, 379.374, 379.3761, 379.401, and 379.4015 deal with wildlife regulations and were amended by this bill. Broadly, this bill seeks to regulate entities which own, import, sell and/or breed certain prohibited species of reptiles. Specifically this bill prohibits the ownership of a variety of commonly kept pythons and monitor species. Additionally, the bill provided rules for a commission to add species of reptiles to the prohibited list.

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References

  1. 1 2 Aengals, A.; Das, A.; Mohapatra, P.; Srinivasulu, C.; Srinivasulu, B.; Shankar, G. & Murthy, B.H.C. (2021). "Python molurus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2021: e.T58894358A1945283. Retrieved 2 December 2021.
  2. ↑ Linnaeus, C. (1758). "Coluber molurus". Systema naturae per regna tria naturae: secundum classes, ordines, genera, species, cum characteribus, differentiis, synonymis, locis. Vol. 1 (Tenth reformed ed.). Holmiae: Laurentii Salvii. p. 225.
  3. ↑ McDiarmid, R. W.; Campbell, J. A.; Touré, T. (1999). "Python". Snake Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference. Volume 1. Washington, DC: Herpetologists' League. ISBN   1893777014.
  4. ↑ Ditmars, R. L. (1933). Reptiles of the World (Revised ed.). The MacMillan Company.
  5. ↑ Walls, J. G. (1998). The Living Pythons. T. F. H. Publications. pp. 131–142. ISBN   0-7938-0467-1.
  6. ↑ O'Shea, M. (2007). Boas and Pythons of the World. New Holland Publishers. pp. 80–87. ISBN   978-1-84537-544-7.
  7. 1 2 Wall, F. (1912). "A popular treatise on the common Indian snakes – The Indian Python". Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society. 21: 447–476.
  8. 1 2 3 Whitaker, R. (2006). Common Indian Snakes – A Field Guide (revised ed.). The Macmillan Company of India Limited. pp. 6–9. ISBN   9781403929556.
  9. ↑ Bhupathy, S. (1990). "Blotch structure in individual identification of the Indian Python (Python molurus molurus) and its possible usage in population estimation". Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society. 87 (3): 399–404.
  10. ↑ Minton, S. A. (1966). "A contribution to the herpetology of West Pakistan". Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History. 134 (2): 117–118. hdl:2246/1129.
  11. ↑ Mark O'Shea — The quest species — Indian rock python & Burmese rock python
  12. ↑ Whitaker, R.; Captain, A. (2004). Snakes of India. The field guide. Chennai, India: Draco Books. pp. 3, 12, 78–81. ISBN   81-901873-0-9.
  13. 1 2 3 Mehrtens, J. M. (1987). Living Snakes of the World in Color . New York: Sterling Publishers. ISBN   0-8069-6460-X.
  14. ↑ "Python molurus (Indian Python)". Animal Diversity Web .
  15. ↑ Hutchison, V. H.; Dowling, H. G. & Vinegar, A. (1966). "Thermoregulation in a Brooding Female Indian Python, Python molurus bivittatus". Science . 151 (3711): 694–695. Bibcode:1966Sci...151..694H. doi:10.1126/science.151.3711.694. PMID   5908075. S2CID   45839432.
  16. ↑ Balakrishnan, P-; Sajeev, T.V.; Bindu, T.N. (2010). "Artificial incubation, hatching and release of the Indian Rock Python Python molurus (Linnaeus, 1758), in Nilambur, Kerala" (PDF). Reptile Rap. 10: 24–27. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2018-08-27. Retrieved 2014-10-25.
  17. ↑ Hunter, Margaret E.; Johnson, Nathan A.; Smith, Brian J.; Davis, Michelle C.; Butterfield, John S. S.; Snow, Ray W.; Hart, Kristen M. (2017-08-02). "Cytonuclear discordance in the Florida Everglades invasive Burmese python (Python bivittatus) population reveals possible hybridization with the Indian python (P. molurus)". Ecology and Evolution. 8 (17): 9034–9047. doi:10.1002/ece3.4423. PMC   6157680 . PMID   30271564.
  18. ↑ Jacobs, H.J.; Auliya, M.; Böhme, W. (2009). "On the taxonomy of the Burmese Python, Python molurus bivittatus KUHL, 1820, specifically on the Sulawesi population". Sauria. 31 (3): 5–11.

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