Burmese python

The Burmese python is a dark-colored non-venomous snake with many brown blotches bordered by black down the back.

In the wild, Burmese pythons typically grow to {{cvt|5|m}}, while specimens of more than {{cvt|7|m}} are unconfirmed.{{cite journal |author1=Barker, D.G. |name-list-style=amp |author2=Barten, S.L. |author3=Ehrsam, J.P. |author4=Daddono, L. |title=The corrected lengths of two well-known giant pythons and the establishment of a new maximum length record for Burmese Pythons, Python bivittatus |journal=Bulletin of the Chicago Herpetological Society|volume=47|issue=1|pages=1–6|date=2012|url=http://www.vpi.com/sites/default/files/Barker-et-al_CorrectPythonLengths_2.pdf|access-date=2020-03-02}} This species is sexually dimorphic in size; females average only slightly longer, but are considerably heavier and bulkier than the males. For example, length-weight comparisons in captive Burmese pythons for individual females have shown: at {{cvt|3.47|m|ftin}} length, a specimen weighed {{cvt|29|kg|lb}}, a specimen of just over {{cvt|4|m}} weighed {{cvt|36|kg|lb}}, a specimen of {{cvt|4.5|m}} weighed {{cvt|40|kg|lb}}, and a specimen of {{cvt|5|m}} weighed {{cvt|75|kg|lb}}. In comparison, length-weight comparisons for males found: a specimen of {{cvt|2.8|m}} weighed {{cvt|12|kg|lb}}, {{cvt|2.97|m}} weighed {{cvt|14.5|kg|lb}}, a specimen of {{cvt|3|m}} weighed {{cvt|7|kg|lb}}, and a specimen of {{cvt|3.05|m}} weighed {{cvt|18.5|kg|lb}}.{{cite journal |author1=Van Mierop, L.H. |name-list-style=amp |author2=Barnard, S.M. |year=1976 |title=Observations on the reproduction of Python molurus bivittatus (Reptilia, Serpentes, Boidae) |journal=Journal of Herpetology |volume=10 |issue=4 |pages=333–340 |doi=10.2307/1563071 |jstor=1563071}}{{cite journal |author1=Barker, D.G. |name-list-style=amp |author2=Murphy J.B. |author3=Smith, K.W. |year=1979 |title=Social behavior in a captive group of Indian pythons, Python molurus (Serpentes, Boidae) with formation of a linear social hierarchy |journal=Copeia |volume=1979 |issue=3 |pages=466–471 |doi=10.2307/1443224 |jstor=1443224}}{{cite journal |author1=Marcellini, D.L. |name-list-style=amp |author2=Peters, A. |year=1982 |title=Preliminary observations on endogeneous heat production after feeding in Python molurus |journal=Journal of Herpetology |volume=16 |issue=1|pages=92–95 |doi=10.2307/1563914|jstor=1563914}}{{cite journal |author1=Jacobson, E.R. |name-list-style=amp |author2=Homer, B. |author3=Adams, W. |year=1991 |title=Endocarditis and congestive heart failure in a Burmese python (Python molurus bivittatus) |journal=Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine |volume=22 |pages=245–248}} In general, individuals over {{cvt|5|m}} are rare.{{Cite journal |author=Saint Girons, H. |year=1972 |title=Les serpents du Cambodge |journal=Mémoires du Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle |series=Série A |pages=40–41}} The record for maximum length of a Burmese python is {{cvt|5.79|m|ftin}} and was caught 10 July 2023 in South Florida's Big Cypress National Preserve.{{Cite web|title=A record-breaking Burmese python — as long as a giraffe is tall — caught in Florida|url=https://www.npr.org/2023/07/13/1187497592/record-breaking-burmese-python-longest-florida|website=NPR|last=Jones|first=Dustin|date=13 July 2023|access-date=14 July 2023}} Widely published data of specimens reported to have been several feet longer are not verified. At her death, a Burmese named "Baby" was the heaviest snake recorded in the world at the time at {{cvt|182.8|kg|lb}}, much heavier than any wild snake ever measured.{{cite thesis |author=Rivas, J.A. |year=2000 |title=The life history of the green anaconda (Eunectes murinus), with emphasis on its reproductive Biology |degree=Ph.D. |publisher=University of Tennessee |url=http://www.anacondas.org/diss/disser.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303202240/http://www.anacondas.org/diss/disser.pdf | archive-date=2016-03-03 }} Her length was measured at {{cvt|5.74|m|ftin}} circa 1999. The minimum size for adults is {{cvt|2.35|m|ftin}}.{{cite book |author1=Murphy, J.C. |name-list-style=amp |author2=Henderson, R.W. |year=1997 |title=Tales of Giant Snakes: A Historical Natural History of Anacondas and Pythons |publisher=Krieger Pub. Co. |isbn=0-89464-995-7 |pages= 2, 19, 37, 42, 55–56 |url=https://archive.org/details/talesofgiantsnak00murp/page/2}} Dwarf forms occur in Java, Bali, and Sulawesi, with an average length of {{cvt|2|m|ftin}} in Bali,{{cite book |author=McKay, J.L. |date=2006 |title=A Field Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of Bali |publisher=Krieger Publishing Company |isbn=1-57524-190-0 |pages=13, 14, 18, 86}} and a maximum of {{cvt|2.5|m|ftin}} on Sulawesi.{{cite book |author1=De Lang, R. |name-list-style=amp |author2=Vogel, G. |date=2005 |title=The Snakes of Sulawesi: A Field Guide to the Land Snakes of Sulawesi with Identification Keys |series=Frankfurt Contributions to Natural History |edition=Band 25 |publisher=Chimaira |isbn=3-930612-85-2 |pages=23–27, 198–201}} Wild individuals average {{cvt|3.7|m|ft}} long,{{r|Smith|Campden}} but have been known to reach {{cvt|5.79|m|ftin}}.

In both their native and invasive range they suffer from Raillietiella orientalis (a pentastome parasitic disease).{{cite web | last=Waymer | first=J. | title=Bloodsucking worms in pythons are killing Florida snakes, study says | website=Florida Today | date=2019 | url=http://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/local/environment/2019/04/11/pythons-spread-parasite-florida-native-snakes/3435198002/ | access-date=2021-12-16}}

The Burmese python occurs throughout Southern and Southeast Asia, including eastern India, southeastern Nepal, western Bhutan, southeastern Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, northern continental Malaysia, and southern China in Fujian, Jiangxi, Guangdong, Hainan, Guangxi, and Yunnan.{{Cite journal |author1=Barker, D.G. |author2=Barker, T.M. |year=2010 |title=The Distribution of the Burmese Python, Python bivittatus, in China |url=http://usark.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Burmese-China_BarkerBarker.pdf |journal=Bulletin of the Chicago Herpetological Society |volume=45 |issue=5 |pages=86–88 |access-date=2012-06-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303191735/http://usark.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Burmese-China_BarkerBarker.pdf |archive-date=2016-03-03 |url-status=dead}} It also occurs in Hong Kong, and in Indonesia on Java, southern Sulawesi, Bali, and Sumbawa.{{Cite journal |author1=Barker, D.G. |author2=Barker, T.M. |year=2008 |title=The distribution of the Burmese Python, Python molurus bivittatus |journal=Bulletin of the Chicago Herpetological Society |volume=43 |issue=3 |pages=33–38 |url=http://www.venomousreptiles.org/libraries/download/6157/distributionburmesepython.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140520220853/http://www.venomousreptiles.org/libraries/download/6157/DistributionBurmesePython.pdf |archive-date=2014-05-20 |access-date=2012-10-17}} It has also been reported in Kinmen.{{cite web |author1=Breuer, H. |author2=Murphy, W.C. |date=2009–2010 |url=http://www.snakesoftaiwan.com/Python%20molurus%20bivittatus/species_python_molurus.htm |title=Python molurus bivittatus |work=Snakes of Taiwan |access-date=17 October 2012 |archive-date=26 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120626211432/http://www.snakesoftaiwan.com/Python%20molurus%20bivittatus/species_python_molurus.htm |url-status=dead}}

It is an excellent swimmer and needs a permanent source of water. It lives in grasslands, marshes, swamps, rocky foothills, woodlands, river valleys, and jungles with open clearings. It is a good climber and has a prehensile tail. It can stay in water for 30 minutes but mostly stays on land.{{citation needed|date=March 2022}}

{{Main|Burmese pythons in Florida}}

Image:NAS Static US SF FLGVWDMZ014485631722126.png

Image:Burmese_python_%286887388927%29.jpg

Python invasion has been particularly extensive, notably across South Florida, where a large number of pythons can now be found in the Florida Everglades.{{cite magazine |title=Top 10 Invasive Species |date=2010 |magazine=Time |url=http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1958657_1958656_1958659,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100206203125/http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1958657_1958656_1958659,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 6, 2010 |access-date=27 April 2010}}{{r|invspinfo}} Between 1996 and 2006, the Burmese python gained popularity in the pet trade, with more than 90,000 snakes imported into the U.S. The current number of Burmese pythons in the Florida Everglades may have reached a minimum viable population and become an invasive species. Hurricane Andrew in 1992 was deemed responsible for the destruction of a python-breeding facility and zoo, and these escaped snakes spread and populated areas into the Everglades.{{cite web |title=Democrats Hold Hearing on Administration's Plan to Constrict Snakes in the Everglades - House Committee on Natural Resources |date=2010 |url=http://naturalresources.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=177795 |publisher=Naturalresources.house.gov |access-date=9 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120916202100/http://naturalresources.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=177795 |archive-date=16 September 2012 |url-status=dead}} A genetic study in 2017 revealed that the python population is composed of hybrids between the Burmese python and Indian python. The species also displays cytonuclear discordance which has made phylogenetic studies of its origin more complicated.{{Cite journal |last1=Hunter|first1=M.E. |last2=Johnson|first2=N.A. |last3=Smith |first3=B.J. |last4=Davis|first4=M.C. |last5=Butterfield|first5=John S.S. |last6=Snow|first6=R.W. |last7=Hart|first7=K.M. |date=2017 |title=Cytonuclear discordance in the Florida Everglades invasive Burmese python (Python bivittatus) population reveals possible hybridization with the Indian python (P. molurus) |journal=Ecology and Evolution |volume=8 |issue=17 |pages=9034–9047 |doi=10.1002/ece3.4423 |pmid=30271564 |pmc=6157680}} As of 2024, the population in the Florida Everglades was estimated anywhere between 30,000 and 300,000 Burmese pythons.{{cite journal |last1=Leatherman |first1=S. P. |last2=Leatherman |first2=S. B. |title=Population projections of invasive Burmese pythons in the Florida Everglades |journal=Journal of Coastal Research |volume=40 |issue=1 |pages=223–227 |year=2024 |doi=10.2112/JCOASTRES-D-23-00012.1}}

By 2007, the Burmese python was found in northern Florida and in the coastal areas of the Florida Panhandle. The importation of Burmese pythons was banned in the United States in January 2012 by the U.S. Department of the Interior.{{cite press release |title=Salazar Announces Ban on Importation and Interstate Transportation of Four Giant Snakes that Threaten Everglades |url=https://www.doi.gov/news/pressreleases/Salazar-Announces-Ban-on-Importation-and-Interstate-Transportation-of-Four-Giant-Snakes-that-Threaten-Everglades |website=doi.gov |access-date=April 26, 2022 |date=2012}} A 2012 report stated, "in areas where the snakes are well established, foxes, and rabbits have disappeared. Sightings of raccoons are down by 99.3%, opossums by 98.9%, and white-tailed deer by 94.1%."{{cite news |author=Adams, G. |date=2012 |title=Pythons are squeezing the life out of the Everglades, scientists warn |location=London |work=The Independent |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/pythons-are-squeezing-the-life-out-of-the-everglades-scientists-warn-6297653.html}} Road surveys between 2003 and 2011 indicated an 87.3% decrease in bobcat populations, and in some areas rabbits have not been detected at all.{{Cite journal|author1=Dorcas, M.E. |author2= Willson, J.D. |author3=Reed, R.N. |author4=Snow, R.W. |author5=Rochford, M.R. |author6=Miller, M.A. |author7=Meshaka, W.E. |author8=Andreadis, P.T. |author9=Mazzotti, F.J. |author10=Romagosa, C.M.|author11=Hart, K.M. |date=2012 |title=Severe mammal declines coincide with proliferation of invasive Burmese pythons in Everglades National Park |journal=Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences |volume=109 |issue=7 |pages=2418–2422 |doi=10.1073/pnas.1115226109 |pmc=3289325 |pmid=22308381 |doi-access=free |bibcode=2012PNAS..109.2418D}} Experimental efforts to reintroduce rabbit populations to areas where rabbits have been eliminated have mostly failed "due to high (77% of mortalities) rates of predation by pythons."{{Cite journal |author=Willson, J. |date=2017|title=Indirect effects of invasive Burmese pythons on ecosystems in southern Florida |journal=Journal of Applied Ecology |volume=54|issue=4|pages=1251–1258 |doi=10.1111/1365-2664.12844 |doi-access=free |bibcode=2017JApEc..54.1251W}} Bird and coyote populations may be threatened, as well as the already-rare Florida panther. In addition to this correlational relationship, the pythons have also been experimentally shown to decrease marsh rabbit populations, further suggesting they are responsible for many of the recorded mammal declines. They may also outcompete native predators for food.{{cite journal |author1=McCleery, R.A. |author2=Sovie, A. |author3=Reed, R.N. |author4=Cunningham, M.W. |author5=Hunter, M.E. |author6=Hart, K.M. |title=Marsh rabbit mortalities tie pythons to the precipitous decline of mammals in the Everglades |journal=Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences|volume=282 |issue=1805 |page=20150120 |date=2015 |pmid=25788598 |pmc=4389622 |doi=10.1098/rspb.2015.0120|bibcode=2015RSPSB.282....7M }}

By 2011, researchers identified up to 25 species of birds from nine avian orders in the digestive tract remains of 85 Burmese pythons in Everglades National Park.{{cite journal |author1=Dove, C.J. |author2=Snow, R.W. |author3=Rochford, M.R. |author4=Mazzotti, F.J. |date=2011 |title=Birds Consumed by the Invasive Burmese Python (Python molurus bivittatus) in Everglades National Park, Florida, USA |journal=The Wilson Journal of Ornithology |volume=123 |issue=1 |pages=126–131 |doi=10.1676/10-092.1 |jstor=23033493 |s2cid=55495469}} Native bird populations are suffering a negative impact from the introduction of the Burmese python in Florida; among these bird species, the wood stork is of specific concern, now listed as federally endangered.

Numerous efforts have been made to eliminate the Burmese python population in the last decade.{{when|reason=the phrase "in the last decade" is meaningless without reference to a specific date or range of dates|date=February 2020}} Understanding the preferred habitat of the species is needed to narrow down the python hunt. Burmese pythons have been found to select broad-leafed and low-flooded habitats. Broad-leafed habitats comprise cypress, overstory, and coniferous forest. Though aquatic marsh environments would be a great source for prey, the pythons seem to prioritize environments allowing for morphological and behavioral camouflage to be protected from predators.{{clarify|date=October 2020}} Also, the Burmese pythons in Florida have been found to prefer elevated habitats, since this provides the optimal conditions for nesting. In addition to elevated habitats, edge habitats are common places where Burmese pythons are found for thermoregulation, nesting, and hunting purposes.{{cite journal |author1=Walters, T.M. |author2=Mazzotti, F.J. |author3=Fitz, H.C. |date=2016 |title=Habitat selection by the invasive species Burmese python in Southern Florida |journal=Journal of Herpetology |volume=50 |issue=1 |pages=50–56|doi=10.1670/14-098 |s2cid=86327588}}

One of the Burmese python eradication movements with the biggest influence was the 2013 Florida Python Challenge. This was a month-long contest wherein a total of 68 pythons were removed. The contest offered incentives such as prizes for longest and greatest number of captured pythons. The purpose of the challenge was to raise awareness about the invasive species, increase participation from the public and agency cooperation, and to remove as many pythons as possible from the Florida Everglades.{{cite journal |author1=Mazzotti, F.J. |author2=Rochford, M. |author3=Vinci, J. |author4=Jeffery, B.M. |author5=Eckles, J.K. |author6=Dove, C. |author7=Sommers, K.P. |date=2016 |title=Implications of the 2013 Python Challenge® for Ecology and Management of Python molorus bivittatus (Burmese python) in Florida |journal=Southeastern Naturalist |volume=15 |issue=sp8 |pages=63–74 |jstor=26454670 |doi=10.1656/058.015.sp807 |s2cid=90352897}} The challenge has run a few times again since then and is now an annual event over the duration of ten days.{{Cite web |title=Florida Python Challenge - Python Challenge |url=https://flpythonchallenge.org/ |access-date=2024-03-29 |website=Florida Python Challenge}} Recently, in 2023, it resulted in 209 pythons removed by 1,050 participants.{{Cite web |title=ICYMI: Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez Announces Winners of the 2023 Florida Python Challenge® |url=https://myfwc.com/news/all-news/python-challenge/ |access-date=2024-03-29 |website=Florida Fish And Wildlife Conservation Commission}}

A study from 2017 introduced a new method for identifying the presence of Burmese pythons in southern Florida; this method involves the screening of mosquito blood. Since the introduction of the Burmese python in Florida, mosquito communities use the pythons as hosts even though they are recently introduced.{{cite journal |author1=Reeves, L.E. |author2=Krysko, K.L. |author3=Avery, M.L. |author4=Gillett-Kaufman, J.L. |author5=Kawahara, A.Y. |author6=Connelly, C.R. |author7=Kaufman, P.E. |title=Interactions between the invasive Burmese python, Python bivittatus Kuhl, and the local mosquito community in Florida, USA |journal=PLOS ONE |volume=13 |issue=1 |pages=e0190633 |date=2018 |pmid=29342169 |pmc=5771569 |doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0190633 |doi-access=free |bibcode=2018PLoSO..1390633R}}

Invasive Burmese pythons also face certain physiological changes. Unlike their native South Asian counterparts who spend long periods fasting due to seasonal variation in prey availability, pythons in Florida feed year-round due to the constant availability of food. They are also vulnerable to cold stress, with winter freezes resulting in mortality rates of up to 90%. Genomic data suggests natural selection on these populations favors increased thermal tolerance as a result of these high-mortality freezes.{{cite journal |author1=Card, D.C. |author2=Perry, B.W. |author3=Adams, R.H. |author4=Schield, D.R. |author5=Young, A.S. |author6=Andrew, A.L. |author7=Jezkova, T. |author8=Pasquesi, G.I. |author9=Hales, N.R. |author10=Walsh, M.R. |author11=Rochford, M.R. |author12=Mazzotti, F.J. |author13=Hart, K.M. |author14=Hunter, M.E. |author15=Castoe, T.A. |title=Novel ecological and climatic conditions drive rapid adaptation in invasive Florida Burmese pythons |journal=Molecular Ecology |volume=27 |issue=23 |pages=4744–4757 |date=2018 |pmid=30269397 |doi=10.1111/mec.14885 |doi-access=|bibcode=2018MolEc..27.4744C}}

They have carried Raillietiella orientalis, a pentastome parasitic disease, with them from Southeast Asia. Other reptiles in Florida have become infested, and the parasite appears to have become endemic.

In April 2019, researchers captured and killed a large Burmese python in Florida's Big Cypress National Preserve. It was more than {{cvt|17|ft|m|order=flip}} long, weighed {{cvt|140|lb|order=flip}}, and contained 73 developing eggs.{{cite news |author1=Mettler, K. |date=2019 |title=A 17-foot, 140-pound python was captured in a Florida park. Officials say it's a record |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/science/2019/04/07/foot-lb-python-was-captured-fla-state-park-officials-say-its-record/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=23 May 2020}}

In December 2021, a Burmese python was captured in Florida that weighed {{cvt|215|lbs|kg|order=flip}} and had a length of {{cvt|18|ft|m|order=flip}}; it contained a record 122 developing eggs.{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=A. B. |title=Caught! Record-breaking 18-foot Burmese python pulled from Collier County wilderness |url=https://www.news-press.com/story/tech/science/environment/2022/06/22/record-breaking-18-foot-burmese-python-caught-florida-everglades/7694354001/ |access-date=2022-06-25 |website=The News-Press}}

In July 2023, local hunters captured and killed a {{cvt|19|ft|m|order=flip}} long Burmese python that weighed {{cvt|125|lbs|kg|order=flip}} in Florida's Big Cypress National Preserve.

Burmese pythons are mainly nocturnal rainforest dwellers.{{cite web|url=http://digimorph.org/specimens/Python_molurus/|title=Python molurus, Burmese Python|access-date=2007-07-25 |publisher=Digital Morphology|year=2003| vauthors = Evans S |work=The deep Scaly Project}} When young, they are equally at home on the ground and in trees, but as they gain girth, they tend to restrict most of their movements to the ground. They are also excellent swimmers, being able to stay submerged for up to half an hour. Burmese pythons spend the majority of their time hidden in the underbrush. In the northern parts of its range, the Burmese python may brumate for some months during the cold season in a hollow tree, a hole in the riverbank, or under rocks. Brumation{{cite web|url=http://www.kingsnake.com/artickes/glossary.html|title=Glossary of reptile and amphibian terminology|website=Kingsnake.com|access-date=8 April 2019}}{{Dead link|date=May 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} is biologically distinct from hibernation. While the behavior has similar benefits, allowing organisms to endure the winter without moving, it also involves the preparation of both male and female reproductive organs for the upcoming breeding season. The Florida population also goes through brumation.{{Cite book |chapter-url=http://ohiostate.pressbooks.pub/sciencebitesvolume2/chapter/1-4-invasive-species-burmese-python-python-bivittatus-and-its-effect-in-florida/ |chapter=1.4 Invasive species Burmese python (Python bivittatus) and its effect in Florida|publisher=The Ohio State University |last=Krusling |first=Lindsey A. |editor-last1=Shaul |editor-first1=Travis R. |editor-last2=Shaul |editor-first2=Kylienne A. |editor-last3=Weaver |editor-first3=Ella M. |title=Environmental ScienceBites |volume=2}}

They tend to be solitary and are usually found in pairs only when mating. Burmese pythons breed in the early spring, with females laying clutches of 12–36 eggs in March or April. They remain with the eggs until they hatch, wrapping around them and twitching their muscles in such a way as to raise the ambient temperature around the eggs by several degrees. Once the hatchlings use their egg tooth to cut their way out of their eggs, no further maternal care is given. The newly hatched babies often remain inside their eggs until they are ready to complete their first shedding of skin, after which they hunt for their first meal.{{cite web|vauthors=Ghosh A|title=Burmese Python|date=11 July 2012 |url=http://www.animalspot.net/burmese-python.html|publisher=AnimalSpot.net|access-date=27 December 2012}}

The Burmese python is able to reproduce asexually when in captivity.Groot TV, Bruins E, Breeuwer JA. Molecular genetic evidence for parthenogenesis in the Burmese python, Python molurus bivittatus. Heredity (Edinb). 2003 Feb;90(2):130-5. doi: 10.1038/sj.hdy.6800210. PMID 12634818 Offspring are clones of their mother and reproduction appears to be by a parthenogenetic mechanism that involves a modification of the meiotic process.

File:Burmese Python photographed at Bardiya National Park1.jpg

Like all snakes, the Burmese python is carnivorous. Its diet consists primarily of birds and mammals, but also includes amphibians and reptiles. It is a sit-and-wait predator, meaning it spends most of its time staying relatively still, waiting for prey to approach, then striking rapidly.{{cite journal |author1=Secor, S.M.|author2=Diamond, J. |title=Adaptive responses to feeding in Burmese pythons: pay before pumping |journal=The Journal of Experimental Biology |volume=198 |issue=Pt 6 |pages=1313–1325 |date=1995 |doi=10.1242/jeb.198.6.1313 |pmid=7782719 |doi-access=free|bibcode=1995JExpB.198.1313S }} The snake grabs a prey animal with its sharp teeth, then wraps its body around the animal to kill it through constriction.{{Cite web |date=2016 |author1=Szalay, J. |title=Python Facts |website=Live Science |url=https://www.livescience.com/53785-python-facts.html|access-date=2021-03-17}} The python then swallows its prey whole. It is often found near human habitation due to the presence of rats, mice, and other vermin as a food source. However, its equal affinity for domesticated birds and mammals means it is often treated as a pest. In captivity, its diet consists primarily of commercially available appropriately sized rats, graduating to larger prey such as rabbits and poultry as it grows. As an invasive species in Florida, Burmese pythons primarily eat a variety of small mammals including foxes, rabbits, and raccoons. Due to their high predation levels, they have been implicated in the decline and even disappearance of many mammal species. In their invasive range, pythons also eat birds and occasionally other reptiles. Exceptionally large pythons may even require larger food items such as pigs or goats, and are known to have attacked and eaten alligators and adult deer in Florida.{{cite web |url=https://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/10/photo-in-the-news-python-bursts-after-eating-gator-update/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021124327/https://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/10/photo-in-the-news-python-bursts-after-eating-gator-update/|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 21, 2018|title=Photo in the News: Python Bursts After Eating Gator (Update) |date=2006|website=National Geographic News|access-date=8 April 2019}}

The digestive response of Burmese pythons to such large prey has made them a model species for digestive physiology. Its sit-and-wait hunting style is characterized by long fasting periods in between meals, with Burmese pythons typically feeding every month or two, but sometimes fasting for as long as 18 months. As digestive tissues are energetically costly to maintain, they are downregulated during fasting periods to conserve energy when they are not in use.{{cite journal |author1=Starck, J.M. |author2=Beese, K. |title=Structural flexibility of the intestine of Burmese python in response to feeding |journal=The Journal of Experimental Biology |volume=204 |issue=2 |pages=325–335 |date=2001 |doi=10.1242/jeb.204.2.325 |pmid=11136618 |bibcode=2001JExpB.204..325S |url=https://jeb.biologists.org/content/204/2/325|url-access=subscription }} A fasting python has a reduced stomach volume and acidity, reduced intestinal mass, and a 'normal' heart volume. After ingesting prey, the entire digestive system undergoes a massive re-modelling, with rapid hypertrophy of the intestines, production of stomach acid, and a 40% increase in mass of the ventricle of the heart to fuel the digestive process.{{cite journal|last1=Secor |first1=S.M. |journal=Journal of Experimental Biology |date=2008 |doi=10.1242/jeb.023754 |title=Digestive physiology of the Burmese python: broad regulation of integrated performance |volume=211 |issue=24 |pages=3767–3774 |pmid=19043049 |s2cid=5545174 |doi-access=free|bibcode=2008JExpB.211.3767S }} During digestion, the snake's oxygen consumption rises drastically as well, increasing with meal size by 17 to 40 times its resting rate. This dramatic increase is a result of the energetic cost of restarting many aspects of the digestive system, from rebuilding the stomach and small intestine to producing hydrochloric acid to be secreted in the stomach. Hydrochloric acid production is a significant component of the energetic cost of digestion, as digesting whole prey items requires the animal to be broken down without the use of teeth, either for chewing or tearing into smaller pieces. To compensate, once food has been ingested, Burmese pythons begin producing large amounts of acid to make the stomach acidic enough to turn the food into a semi-liquid that can be passed through to the small intestine and undergo the rest of the digestive process.{{cn|date=June 2024}}

The energy cost is highest in the first few days after eating when these regenerative processes are most active, meaning Burmese pythons rely on existing food energy storage to digest a new meal.{{cite journal |author1=Secor, S.M. |title=Gastric function and its contribution to the postprandial metabolic response of the Burmese python Python molurus |journal=The Journal of Experimental Biology |volume=206 |issue=10 |pages=1621–1630 |date=2003 |pmid=12682094 |doi=10.1242/jeb.00300 |doi-access=free|bibcode=2003JExpB.206.1621S }} Overall, the entire digestive process from food intake to defecation lasts 8–14 days.

File:Python Skins Burma.jpg of Burmese pythons and reticulated pythons (Malayopython reticulatus) at a local shop at Mandalay, Myanmar]]

The Burmese python is listed on CITES Appendix II. It has been listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List since 2012, as the wild population is estimated to have declined by at least 30% in the first decade of the 21st century due to habitat loss and over-harvesting.

To maintain Burmese python populations, the IUCN recommends increased conservation legislation and enforcement at the national and international levels to reduce harvesting across the snake's native range. The IUCN also recommends increased research into its population ecology and threats. In Hong Kong, it is a protected species under Wild Animals Protection Ordinance Cap 170. It is also protected in Thailand, Vietnam, China, and Indonesia. However, it is still common only in Hong Kong and Thailand, with rare to very rare statuses in the rest of its range.{{citation needed|date=June 2021}}

Image:Reptilia audience members handling burmese python dsc 0083.jpg

File:Burmesepython-tobudobutsuen-2012.ogv Burmese python at a zoo in Japan]]

Burmese pythons are often sold as pets, and are made popular by their attractive coloration and apparently easy-going nature. However, they have a rapid growth rate, and can exceed {{cvt|2.1|m|ftin}} in length in a year if power fed. However this may cause health issues in the future. By age four, they will have reached their adult size, though they continue growing very slowly throughout their lives, which may exceed 20 years.

Although the species has a reputation for docility, they are very powerful animals – capable of inflicting severe bites and even killing by constriction.{{Cite news|title=Python Kills Careless Student Zookeeper in Caracas|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/2622427/Python-kills-careless-student-zookeeper-in-Caracas.html|date=2008-08-26|work=The Telegraph|agency=AP|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/2622427/Python-kills-careless-student-zookeeper-in-Caracas.html |archive-date=2022-01-12 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|access-date=2019-02-18|location=London|issn=0307-1235}}{{cbignore}}{{Cite journal| vauthors=Chiszar D, Smith HM, Petkus A, Doughery J |date=1993|title=A Fatal Attack on a Teenage Boy by a Captive Burmese Python (Python molurus bivittatus) in Colorado|journal=The Bulletin of the Chicago Herpetological Society|publisher=Chicago Herpetological Society|volume=28|issue=#12|page=261 |url=http://www.chicagoherp.org/bulletin/28(12).pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190218202006/http://chicagoherp.org/bulletin/28(12).pdf |archive-date=2019-02-18|issn=0009-3564}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.anapsid.org/coloburm.html |title=The Keeping of Large Pythons: Realities and Responsibilities|vauthors=Kaplan M|date=1994 |website=www.anapsid.org|series=Herp Care Collection|access-date=2019-02-18}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/python-caused-death-in-ontario-home-in-1992-case-1.1328205 |title=Python Caused Death in Ontario Home in 1992 Case|date=2013-04-13|work=CBC News|access-date=2019-02-17|publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Commission|agency=Canadian Press|department=Toronto News|location=Toronto|issn=0708-9392}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/python-linked-deaths-raise-questions-over-exotic-animal-laws-1.1349119|title=Python-linked Deaths Raise Questions over Exotic Animal Laws|vauthors=Davison J|date=2013-08-07|work=CBC News|access-date=2019-02-17 |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |department=News|location=Toronto|issn=0708-9392}}{{cite web|url=https://assets.documentcloud.org/documents/748680/pages/nevilles-p1-normal.gif |title=Dr. D. H. Evans, Coroner of Ontario, "Inquest into the Death of Mark Nevilles: Verdict of Coroner's Jury" (Brampton, Ontario: June 1992)|website=documentcloud.org|access-date=8 April 2019}} They also consume large amounts of food, and due to their size, require large, often custom-built, secure enclosures. As a result, some are released into the wild, and become invasive species that devastate the environment. For this reason, some jurisdictions (including Florida, due to the python invasion in the Everglades{{cite news |vauthors=Burrage G |title=New law makes Burmese python illegal in Florida |url=http://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/news/state/new-law-makes-burmese-python-illegal-in-florida |date=30 June 2010 |website=Abcactionnews.com |access-date=9 August 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130501023817/http://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/news/state/new-law-makes-burmese-python-illegal-in-florida |archive-date=2013-05-01}}) have placed restrictions on the keeping of Burmese pythons as pets. Violators could be imprisoned for more than seven years or fined $500,000 if convicted.

Burmese pythons are opportunistic feeders;{{Cite journal|vauthors=Orzechowski SC, Romagosa CM, Frederick PC |date=2019-07-01|title=Invasive Burmese pythons (Python bivittatus) are novel nest predators in wading bird colonies of the Florida Everglades|journal=Biological Invasions|volume=21|issue=7|pages=2333–2344|doi=10.1007/s10530-019-01979-x|s2cid=102350541|doi-access=free|bibcode=2019BiInv..21.2333O }} they eat almost any time food is offered, and often act hungry even when they have recently eaten. As a result, they are often overfed, causing obesity-related problems to be common in captive Burmese pythons.{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}

Like the much smaller ball python, Burmese pythons are known to be easygoing or timid creatures, which means that if cared for properly, they can easily adjust to living near humans.{{cite web |url=https://www.gbif.org/species/144100053|title=Python bivittatus (Kuhl, 1820)|website=www.gbif.org |access-date=8 April 2019|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181022073544/https://www.gbif.org/species/144100053}}

Although pythons are typically afraid of people due to their great stature, and generally avoid them, special care is still required when handling them. Given their adult strength, multiple handlers (up to one person per meter of snake) are usually recommended.{{Cite web|url=http://www.anapsid.org/handling.html|title=Playing with the Big Boys: Handling Large Constrictors|website=www.anapsid.org|access-date=8 September 2017}} Some jurisdictions require owners to hold special licenses, and as with any wild animal being kept in captivity, treating them with the respect an animal of this size commands is important.{{cite web |url=https://aldf.org/focus_area/captive-animals/|title=Captive Animals - Most states have no laws governing captive wild animals.|website=Animal Legal Defense Fund|access-date=8 April 2019}}

Image:Caramel burmese python.JPG

The Burmese python is frequently captive-bred for color, pattern, and more recently, size. Its amelanistic form is especially popular and is the most widely available morph. This morph is white with patterns in butterscotch yellow and burnt orange. Also, "labyrinth" specimens with maze-like patterns, khaki-colored "green", and "granite" with many small angular spots are available. Breeders have recently begun working with an island lineage of Burmese pythons. Early reports indicate that these dwarf Burmese pythons have slightly different coloring and pattern from their mainland relatives and do not grow much over {{cvt|2.1|m|ftin}} in length. One of the most sought-after of these variations is the leucistic Burmese. This particular variety is very rare, being entirely bright white with no pattern and blue eyes, and has only in 2008/2009 been reproduced in captivity as the homozygous form (referred to as "super" by reptile keepers) of the co-dominant hypomelanistic trait. The caramel Burmese python has a caramel-colored pattern with "milk-chocolate" eyes.

• Inclusion body disease, a viral disease affecting pythons

{{Reflist|refs=

Campden-Main SM (1970). A Field Guide to the Snakes of South Vietnam. Washington, District of Columbia. pp. 8–9.

[https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/terrestrial/vertebrates/burmese-python Species Profile - Burmese Python (Python molurus bivittatus).] National Invasive Species Information Center, United States National Agricultural Library.

Smith MA (1943). "Python molurus bivittatus", pp. 108–109 in [https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.123338 The Fauna of British India, Ceylon and Burma, Including the Whole of the Indo-Chinese Sub-region. Reptilia and Amphibia]. Vol. III.—Serpentes. London: Secretary of State for India. Taylor and Francis.

}}

{{refbegin}}

• {{cite book | vauthors = Christy | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=1C3OeVb6_twC | title = The Lizard King: The True Crimes and Passions of the World's Greatest Reptile Smugglers | location = New York | publisher = TWELVE | date = 2008 | isbn = 978-0-446-58095-3}}
• {{cite book | vauthors = Mattison C |title=Snake|publisher=DK Publishing|year=1999 |isbn=978-0-7894-4660-2}}
• {{Cite journal| vauthors = Willson JD, Dorcas ME, Snow RW |date=2010-11-21|title=Identifying plausible scenarios for the establishment of invasive Burmese pythons (Python molurus) in Southern Florida|journal=Biological Invasions|volume=13|issue=7|pages=1493–1504|doi=10.1007/s10530-010-9908-3|s2cid=207096799}}

{{refend}}

• [http://www.eddmaps.org/distribution/viewmap.cfm?sub=20461 Burmese python (Python molurus) - EDDMapS State Distribution - EDDMapS]
• [https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/terrestrial/vertebrates/burmese-python Species profile - Burmese Python (Python molurus)], National Invasive Species Information Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Library

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