Reticulated python

Description

The reticulated python is the longest snake in the world, reaching lengths of up to 10 m. It has an elongated head, a wide and relatively flat nose and a long, strong and flexible body. It has patterned colours with tones of light brown, cream, yellow and even black, which help the python to hide in the vegetation. Its head is yellowish with a dark, narrow line and the underparts are yellow or white. 

Behaviour

These are constrictor snakes; in other words, they kill their prey by wrapping themselves around the body and constricting until the prey suffocates. They can open their jaws so wide that they can swallow whole animals larger than the diameter of their own heads. The females build nests with twigs and leaves where they normally lay 15-20 eggs and then coil around them to warm them. After 9-11 weeks, hatchlings measuring about 70 cm will hatch. 

Interesting facts

They are good climbers and swimmers and so can be found in the branches of trees or near ponds or bodies of water. Their main threat is humans as their skin is used to manufacture leather products such as handbags, belts, shoes and waistcoats. Their meat is also used for food. Another significant threat is illegal trafficking for their sale as pets.