Pythons (Pythonidae family of Snakes)
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Pythons are non-venomous and well known for the large sizes attained by some species. As a result of their size and attractive markings, many pythons are endangered and of significant conservation concern.
Pythons are also regarded as one of the more primative families of snakes, retaining residual features such as hips and hindlimbs. Pythons can also exhibit maternal care, something that is very rare in snake families.
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AMETHYSTINE PYTHON (SCRUB PYTHON)
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|  | Morelia amethistina
| The Amethystine Python is a long slender member of the python family with the occassional giant reaching around 7 metres (23 feet) in length, more regularly they are around 3 metres (10 feet) and inhabit the coastal forests of northern Australia, New Guinea and the Philippines. Some questions still exist as to whether this snake should be classified in the genus Liasis with scrub pythons and water pythons very closely related.
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Image: David Warwick (Taronga Zoo Exhibit - Feb 2005)
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BLACK-HEADED PYTHON
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| | Aspidites melanocephalus
| The Black-Headed Python is found in a range of habitats across all of northern Australia. A medium length python, they can reach up to 3 metres (10 feet) in length. A terrestrial python, the narrow head and rounded snout is suitable for burrowing. Their black head is used for heat regulation and also for camouflage as the snake can often be found with only its head emerged from its burrow. The Aspidites genus consists of only two species, both without the heat-sensing pits of other pythons.
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Image: David Warwick (Taronga Zoo Exhibit - Feb 2005)
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BREDL'S PYTHON (CENTRALIAN PYTHON)
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| | Morelia bredli
| Bredl's Python or the Centralian Python is found in central Australia and grows to around 2.5 metres (8 feet) in length and although relatively docile in captivity are a very powerful snake. Semi-arboreal and not uncomfortable around water, this python makes full use of its environment and is considered one of the most beautiful of pythons. In captivity, this python may live for more than 10 years.
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Image: David Warwick (Taronga Zoo Exhibit - Feb 2005)
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BURMESE PYTHON
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| | Python molurus bivittatus
| The Burmese Python is native throughout Southeast Asia including Burma, Thailand, Vietnam, southern China, and Indonesia. Native populations are considered to be 'threatened' largely due to habitat distruction and the exotic skin trade. The Burmese Python can grow to over 7 metres (23 feet) in length and weigh as much as 200 pounds, making it one of the larger pythons. In captivity it is a relatively docile python but an agressive feeder and has been responsible for some human fatalities. In captivity, this python may live for more than 25 years.
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Image: David Warwick (Australia Zoo Exhibit - Sep 2006)
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DIAMOND PYTHON
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| | Morelia spilota spilota
| The Diamond Python is perhaps the most beautiful Australian python, due to its rich black colour and distinctive cream to yellow coloured diamond pattern. Although still considered common in south-eastern Australia, this arboreal and generally slow moving python has suffered from habitat destruction. Growing to almost 3 meters (10 feet) in length, the Diamond Python is a medium sized member of the Carpet Python group.
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Image: David Warwick (Sydney Wildlife World - Feb 2007)
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GREEN PYTHON
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| | Chondropython viridis
| The Green Python is found in the far north of Australia in rainforest canopies. Visually identical to the South American, Emerald Tree Boa, the evolution of these snakes shows how similar environmental forces can produce similar adaptive results.
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Image: David Warwick (Taronga Zoo Exhibit - Jan 2005)
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MALAYSIAN BLOOD PYTHON
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| | Python curtus brongersmai
| The Blood Pythons are found in Asia, throughout Malaysia and Sumatra. The Malaysian Blood Python is one of the larger specimens, growing to around 3 metres (10 feet) in length and living as long as 25 years in captivity. Blood Pythons are aggressive and should only be handled by experienced keepers due to their highly variable temperament.
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Image: David Warwick (National Zoo and Aquarium Exhibit Canberra - Sept 2005)
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OLIVE PYTHON
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| | Liasis olivaceus
| The Olive Python is found in northern Australia's monsoon belt, with the exception of the eastern side of the Cape York Peninsula. A large and semi-acquatic python, the Olive Python grows to around 3.5 metres (12 feet) in length and can obtain a significant girth. Despite their size, they are a relatively gentle and even tempered snake.
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Image: David Warwick (National Zoo and Aquarium Exhibit Canberra - Sept 2005)
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RETICULATED PYTHON
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| | Python reticulatus
| Found in the jungles of Southeast Asia, the Reticulated Python is for snakes what the Komodo Dragon is for lizards – arguably the largest snake in the world, growing to as long as 10 metres (33 feet) and weighing as much as 158 kg (350 lbs) and living more than 25 years. The Reticulated Python is strictly carnivorous and although often found in the trees, they are heavily dependent upon water, usually found near ponds or rivers. Still relatively common, the rate of hunting for skin and blood raises questions about their long term future.
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Image: David Warwick (National Zoo and Aquarium Exhibit Canberra - Sept 2005)
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