Burmese Python
These semi arboreal, but heavy-bodied snakes are native to Southern Asia. This
python's habitat varies greatly, and includes dry forest, mountain, and open grasslands.
The name refers to the country of Burma, which is now called Myanmar. They are one of
the six largest snakes in the world. Being one of the world's largest snake species, the
Burmese python may feed on very large food items such as pigs and deer. In the wild,
they are often found near villages due to the presence of rats and other vermin as a food
source. However, their equal affinity for domesticated birds and mammals means that
they are not always welcome. Pythons show a higher degree of parental care than many
other reptiles - they actually incubate the eggs using heat generated by muscle twitches.
They are light coloured snakes with several dark brown blotches covering them in a
stunning pattern, which has rather unfortunately further increased their popularity with
the leather industry.
