Blood Python

Blood Python

Scientific Name:
Python brongersmai

Range:
Malay Peninsula, southwestern Thailand, northern Sumatra

Habitat:
Low forested hills, matshes and tropical swamps

Average Size:
Length: up to 6 feet
Weight: 12-20 pounds

Lifespan in Captivity:
20-25 years

Diet:
Wild: Small mammals
Zoo: Mice and rats

Reproduction:
Incubation: 70 to 80 days
Clutch Size: 20-30 eggs

IUCN Status:
Least Concern (LC)

Blood Python Range

About the Animal:
Blood pythons are part of the short-tailed python group. These short, stocky snakes have a reputation of being unpredictable and aggressive

Mating and Reproduction: 
After mating, the female will lay a clutch of up to 30 eggs. Like many python species, the female’s body temperature increases after clutching, allowing scientists to speculate that the origins of warm-bloodedness has its roots in reproduction. The female will then wrap herself around the eggs and shiver, thus warming them and protecting the eggs at the same time.

Amazing Information:
The name “blood python” comes from the deep red-orange markings on the body

Where in the Zoo:
The Blood Python can be found in the Tropical Rainforest building