Species Spotlight: Burmese Python

Among the largest snakes in the world, Burmese pythons can weigh up to 200 pounds. They do not have fangs but use backward-pointing teeth that help them grab and hold prey as they constrict their body around it.

Burmese pythons are great swimmers and can stay underwater for up to 30 minutes. They spend time in the water, on the ground, and in the trees in their native habitat of tropical Southeast Asia. They tend to be solitary except during mating season.

While Burmese pythons are listed as Vulnerable in their native habitat, they are a problematic invasive species in the Florida Everglades where pet snakes have been released into the wild either intentionally or by accident.

FAST FACTS:

Scientific name:
Python bivittatus

Common Name:
Burmese python

Adult size in the wild:
10-16 feet in length on average

Habitat:
Marshes, swamps, woodlands and foothills of tropical Southeast Asia

Conservation Status:
Vulnerable

Cinnamon, the Burmese python at the Zoo (pictured above) will have an expanded, improved habitat in Primate Forest!