Tiger python is a non-poisonous snake, which is considered one of the largest in the world. In 2005, a reptile of this species was recognized as the hardest in the world. With a length of 8.2 m, she weighed 183 kg.
Appearance
This species of reptiles received its name due to its color resembling that of a tiger. The length of the tiger python reaches 8 m, and sometimes more. The body of this snake is painted in olive or tawny color, on which large dark brown spots are scattered. On the head of the tiger python, you can see a dark arrow-shaped spot. Among them, there are albinos - individuals that do not have protective pigmentation. In nature, the tiger python albino is very rare, since the lack of a protective color dooms it to death already in early childhood. However, due to the unusually beautiful appearance, such individuals are very popular among snake lovers. Therefore, they began to artificially withdraw.
Habitat
Tiger python inhabits the expanses of Southeast and South Asia. In particular, it is common in countries such as Pakistan, China, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Bangladesh and Nepal. Typically, representatives of this species can be found in swamps, sparse forests, as well as on stony foothills and fields.
Lifestyle
Tiger python is a sedentary reptile that prefers to hunt at night. The indicated snake attacks the prey from an ambush, then bites it and strangles it with its body. Food for tiger pythons is rodents, various birds, monkeys and small ungulates. There are even cases when individuals of this species attacked jackals, leopards, wild boars and crocodiles. Most often, tiger pythons can be found near ponds, because they feel good in the water. They can swim and dive. Also, these snakes can climb trees. Their life expectancy is 20-25 years.
In nature, there are 3 subspecies of tiger pythons:
- Indian python.
- Burmese python.
- Ceylon tiger python.
The largest of these is the Burmese, or dark tiger python. Its length varies between 6 and 8 meters (maximum - 9.15 m), and weighs about 70 kg. In addition, it has the darkest color, which is clearly visible in the python photo. At the same time, it has many color variations. This subspecies is often found in terrariums.
The smaller one is Indian, which is also called the light tiger python. Its length is 6 m. It is distinguished by a lighter color. This subspecies is included in the Red Book. Due to hunting, its population is constantly decreasing. The skin of these snakes is used to make wallets, boots, belts, etc. The Ceylon subspecies is considered the smallest among tiger pythons. Its length rarely exceeds 3 m. Outwardly, it strongly resembles the Indian python. Ceylon can be distinguished by the reddish color of the head.
The maintenance of pythons requires the creation of certain conditions, in particular, a specially equipped terrarium is needed, equipped with additional heating. If mistreated, tiger pythons become dangerous.
