Reticulated python

About This Project

The longest snake in the world!

This snake can exceed 9 metres in length, though it is quite slender. It owes its name to its characteristic geometric markings which assist it with camouflage.

It mainly eats mammals, sometimes quite large ones – it is capable of devouring a deer or an antelope! Its prey is killed by constriction.

This snake is being badly affected by deforestation and is hunted for its skin and its meat.

The examples kept at La Barben grow to a length of 5 metres.

Latin name: Python reticulatus
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Pythonidae / Boidae
Size: 5 to 7.5 m long
Weight: 155 kg
Lifespan: 25 years
Incubation: 3 months
Number of eggs: 25 to 80
Habitat: tropical forest, grassland, dry forest, semi-desert areas
Diet: carnivorous
Distribution: tropical forest
Conservation status: Least Concern

Category
Reptilia