Burmese Python

The Burmese Python is a very large python native to southern Asia, and common in the exotic pet trade. It is strictly terrestrial, but heavy-bodied. A Burmese Python at Serpent Safari Park in Gurnee, Illinois, USA previously held the record for heaviest living snake, with a weight of (403 lb) at a length of (27 ft) as of 2005. Females are typically larger than males The Burmese python is found throughout southeast Asia including Myanmar , Thailand, Vietnam, China, and Indonesia. Wild populations are considered to be "threatened" and are listed on . All the giant pythons have historically been slaughtered to supply the world leather market, as well as for folk medicines, and captured for the pet trade. In more recent years extensive captive breeding of the Burmese Python has made the importation of wild caught specimens for the pet trade uncommon. Burmese Pythons are light colored snakes with many dark brown blotches bordered in black down the back. Their perceived attractiveness of their skin pattern contributes to their popularity with both reptile keepers and the leather industry. The pattern is similar in color, but different in actual pattern to the African Rock Python , sometimes resulting in confusion of the two species outside of their natural habitats. Burmese Pythons are diurnal rainforest dwellers. When younger they are equally at home on the ground and in trees, but as they gain girth they tend to restrict most of their movements to the ground. They are also excellent swimmers. Like all diurnal snakes, Burmese Pythons spend the majority of their time basking in the sun to moderate their body temperature, and to aid in digestion of meals.