Timor Python

Common Name: Timor Python
Scientific Name: Python timorensis

Introduction:

The Timor Python is also called the Lesser Sundas Python. Its scientific name is Python timorensis.

General:

Timor Pythons have an attractive brown pattern, though the pattern is only visible on the anterior of the snake. The rear part of the Timor Python does not have any pattern and most of it is green and brown in color. After shedding, the skin appears lustrous. An adult male Timor Python has an average length of five to eight feet. Adult females are bigger than males. An adult Timor python can weigh 20 pounds.

Geographic range:

Timor Pythons are usually found along the islands of Timor and Flores.

Habitat:

Timor Pythons need large habitats and spaces with plenty of branches for climbing.

Behavior:

The Timor Python is a nervous and shy snake. They are edgy and very sensitive. It is an unusual python in both skin appearance and behavior. It behaves like a colubrid. It is very rare and has low capacity of breeding in the United States though there are some few imports that contribute to the rarity of the species in United States collections. They have a very high metabolic rate and this makes them very demanding pets.

Reproduction:

The Timor Python exhibits breeding in captivity. The female lays about five eggs though they can lay twice that number of eggs. At incubation temperature of around 89 degrees Fahrenheit, the eggs hatch after a period of 9 or 10 weeks. They become sexually mature after four years. Neonates often eat lizards for their first meal.

Captivity:

They adapt easily to caging. They are rare in captivity since most people find importing them as an expensive process. They have a problem of breeding in cages. After rearing them for a while, they become docile. They are not favorite pets for many. They need a basking spot where the temperature is about 90 degrees.