The green tree python is a stunning and unique species of snake. It is native to New Guinea’s tropical rainforests and some nearby islands in Indonesia and Australia.
In this article, we will explore some of Python’s fascinating facts and characteristics. Besides, we describe its appearance, habitat, behavior, and conservation status.
Scientific Name
Its scientific name is Morelia Viridis, also commonly known as the emerald tree boa.
This beautiful serpent is well-known for its vivid green coloration and arboreal lifestyle. It allows it to spend much of its time high up in the trees.
Appearance
The green tree python is a medium-sized snake. In this species, the adult individuals typically range from 4 to 6 feet in length.Â
Slender and Cylindrical Body
It has a slender and cylindrical body. Furthermore, its body has small scales that give it a rough texture.
Bright Green Coloration
Its most distinctive feature is its bright green coloration. This coloration is mainly due to the special pigments in its scales.
Yellow or Blue Color
However, it is worth noting that some individuals may also have yellow or blue coloration.
White and Blue Color
Besides, there is even a rare morph known as the “blue-eyed leucistic.” It has a white and blue coloration.
Physical Features
Other physical features of this tree python include:
- Its eyes are large and yellow, with elliptical pupils well-suited for seeing in low-light conditions.
- Its head is triangular. Besides, it has a slightly pointed snout and a broad jaw capable of opening very wide to swallow large prey.
- Its tail is prehensile. It means these snakes can grasp branches and other objects in the environment.
Habitat and Lifestyle
The Green Tree Python (Morelia viridis) is a beautiful and fascinating snake species. Let’s explore the habitat and lifestyle of this snake:
The species is primarily arboreal. It means it spends most of its time in trees.
Its natural habitat includes:
- Tropical rainforests
- Lowland forests
- Savannah woodlands
Besides this, species can also be found in agricultural areas and secondary-growth forests.
High Humidity
One of the key features of the Green Tree Python’s habitat is its high humidity. These snakes need humidity levels of around 80% to survive.
Furthermore, these snakes are in areas with a consistent temperature range of 24-30°C. It makes them well-adapted to the warm and humid conditions of tropical rainforests.
Let’s take a look at the lifestyle of these species:
Diet
The Python is a predatory species whose diet mainly consists of small mammals, birds, and lizards. This species is an ambush predator. Besides, it uses its camouflage to blend in with its surroundings and wait for prey to come within striking distance. Once its prey is within range, it will strike quickly and wrap its body around the prey to subdue it.
Reproduction
Green Python is oviparous, which means it lays eggs to reproduce.
Females lay clutches of around 10-25 eggs, which they will then coil around to protect and incubate until they hatch.
Incubation Period
The incubation period for these eggs is around 2-3 months. Furthermore, the baby snakes are fully independent once they hatch the eggs.
Behavior
The Tree Python is a non-venomous species, but it is known for its aggressive behavior when threatened.
These snakes coil their bodies up and hiss loudly to warn off predators when threatened. They will strike out with their fangs and bite if the threat persists. However, this is rare and only happens as a last resort.
Population
These pythons are a famous choice among reptile enthusiasts and collectors. However, due to habitat destruction and illegal trade, the population of these snakes has been declining in recent years.
Population Status of Green Tree Python
Unfortunately, due to habitat loss, deforestation, and illegal trade, the population of these snakes in the wild has been declining in recent years.
The exact population numbers are unknown, but it is estimated that there are fewer than 10,000 green tree pythons left in the wild. This population decline is mainly due to the following factors:
Habitat Destruction
The rapid expansion of agriculture, mining, and logging has destroyed large rainforest areas. It is the natural habitat of green tree pythons.
As a result, their population has been declining as they lose their homes and hunting grounds.
Illegal Trade
These snakes are highly sought after by the exotic pet trade due to their striking appearance. However, capturing and selling them for profit is illegal and unsustainable.
Besides, it can lead to the decline of their population and even extinction.
Climate Change
Climate change is also a significant threat to the survival of green tree pythons. As temperatures rise and rainfall patterns change, the habitats of these snakes are becoming increasingly unsuitable for their survival.
