A Reticulated Python at close quarters
Reticulated Pythons are mostly confined to forests where their colour patterns allow for better camouflage. They climb well but will live in caves and holes in the ground, particularly after eating large meals the size of deer, pigs or antelope. Live prey animals are asphixiated by the powerful constricting muscles of the body. Digestion may take a week or longer. Even here, when they are given dead animals, the snakes still go through the process of constriction before swallowing them.
Indian or Burmese Pythons do not grow quite as large, up to 6 metres, and when not persecuted are able to live in a wide range of habitats.
This python photo was briefly in Explore on May 26, 2014
A Reticulated Python at close quarters
Reticulated Pythons are mostly confined to forests where their colour patterns allow for better camouflage. They climb well but will live in caves and holes in the ground, particularly after eating large meals the size of deer, pigs or antelope. Live prey animals are asphixiated by the powerful constricting muscles of the body. Digestion may take a week or longer. Even here, when they are given dead animals, the snakes still go through the process of constriction before swallowing them.
Indian or Burmese Pythons do not grow quite as large, up to 6 metres, and when not persecuted are able to live in a wide range of habitats.
This python photo was briefly in Explore on May 26, 2014