Species · GBIF taxon 4820533
Python bivittatus
python bivittatusAlso known as Burmese Python
Burmese pythons are among the largest snakes on Earth, recognizable by their beautifully patterned, giraffe-like blotches. These excellent swimmers and climbers spend much of their lives near water, hunting a wide variety of birds and mammals. While vulnerable and declining in their native Southeast Asian forests, they have established a highly destructive invasive population in the Florida Everglades.
NocturnalConstrictorSolitary
—observations
—countries
—peak records
VulnerableConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXVulnerableRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Rodents
- Deer
- Wading Birds
Predators
- Humans
- Tigers
- American Alligators
ThreatsHabitat destruction and hunting in native range; eradication efforts in invasive range
HabitatsTropical rainforests, marshes, swamps, and grassy foothills
Life span15 to 25 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyPythonidae
- GenusPython
- Speciespython bivittatus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Large constrictors can deliver severe defensive bites; maintain a safe distance and do not handle.
- Why it is dangerous
- Capable of inflicting deep lacerations with backward-curving teeth and can overpower handlers through constriction.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for a dark, arrowhead-shaped marking on the head and giraffe-like blotches on a tan background.
- What to do
- Do not attempt to capture or handle wild individuals; contact professional wildlife services immediately.
- What to notice
- Distinguished by its massive size, dark brown blotches, and two distinct light lines on the head.
- Support conservation
- Support conservation efforts that protect native wetlands and discourage the illegal wildlife trade.
Responsible observation
- Observe from afar: Never approach a wild python closely, as they can strike rapidly when threatened.
- Report sightings: Document and report any sightings in Florida to local wildlife conservation authorities.
- Watch the water: Scan slow-moving water and canal banks where they often lie submerged.
Competitor no rights reserved, uploaded by Vijay Barve · cc0
Close Relative "Indian Python" by wildxplorer is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/. · cc-by
Close Relative Ray in Manila / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Rushen, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Keep collecting in Fauna
Continue in the app Found in Collections
Species set Pro
Emerald Kingdom
Python bivittatus is found in this collection. Identify it in Fauna to fill this slot and continue your progress.
Unlock to track progress
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.