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Python bivittatus (Burmese python)
Venue: Burdang, Singtam, East Sikkim
Date: June 24, 2014
Pic:
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Python bivittatus (Burmese python)
Venue: Burdang, Singtam, East Sikkim
Date: June 24, 2014
Pic:
|
In one of a rare instance, a dead python was
recovered from the banks of River Teesta near ATTC College, Burdang. It was
latter identifies as Burmese python (Python bivittatus).
According to the locals, the snake was 12 feet
long and 1.6 m in circumference. It was later on handed over to OM Gurung,
Block Officer, Wild Life Department of Fores, Rangpo Range.
It should be noted that according to The Gazetter
of Sikkim (1891), forest officials had arrested several persons for killing a 4
m. long Indian Python (Python moluru bivittatus) near Singtam.
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Chordata
Class:
Reptilia
Order:
Squamata
Family:
Pythonidae
Genus:
Python
Species:
P. bivittatus
Binomial name: Python
bivittatus (Kuhl, 1820)
Other Names: Burmese python
Special feature: The Burmese python
(Python bivittatus) is one of the five largest snakes in the world, native to a
large variation of tropic and subtropic areas of Southern- and Southeast Asia.
Until 2009 they were considered a subspecies of Python molurus, but now are
recognized as belonging to a distinct speciesThey are often found near water
and are sometimes semi-aquatic, but can also be found in trees. Wild
individuals average 3.7 metres (12 ft) long, but have been known to reach 5.74
metres (19 ft). This python is an excellent swimmer and needs a permanent
source of water. It can be found in grasslands, marshes, swamps, rocky
foothills, woodlands, river valleys, and jungles with open clearings. They are
good climbers and have prehensile tails.
Wild populations are considered to be
"threatened" and are listed on Appendix II of CITES. IUCN has
recently listed the Burmese python as "Vulnerable", reflecting its
overall population decline. Important reasons for the decline are trade for
skins and for food; habitat degradation may be a problem in some upland areas.
In Hong Kong, it is a protected species under Wild Animals Protection Ordinance
Cap 170. (Wikipedia)
When compared with Indian Rock Python :
by Vivek Sharma (ReptileIndia)
Burmese Pythons have side patches (on flank) more
defined and much larger than those found in Indian Rock Python. In Indian Rock
Python they are very small and usually not much significant to discuss.
Additionally Burmese Python has much less or no yellow-brown amounts on body
while in Indian Rock Python you can find these two colors have much
significance.