Apodora

Apodora papuana is a species of python, commonly known as the Papuan python, Irian python or Papuan olive python. It is found in New Guinea. It is the only species in the genus Apodora. No subspecies are currently recognized.[2]

Apodora
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Pythonidae
Genus: Apodora
Kluge, 1993
Species:
A. papuana
Binomial name
Apodora papuana
(W. C. H. Peters and Doria, 1878)
Papuan python natural range
Synonyms[1]
  • Liasis papuanus Peters & Doria, 1878
  • Liasis papuanus Boulenger, 1893
  • Liasis papuanus Boulenger, 1895
  • Liasis tornieri Werner, 1897
  • Liasis olivaceus papuanus Stull, 1935
  • Liasis maximus Werner, 1936
  • Liasis papuano Werner, 1936
  • Liasis papuanus McDowell, 1975
  • Lisalia papuana Wells & Wellington, 1985
  • Morelia papuana Underwood & Stimson, 1990
  • Apodora papuana Kluge, 1993

Description

A large snake, with adults growing to lengths of over 5 m (17 feet). However, they are not nearly as heavy bodied as other pythons, weighing in at no more than about 22.5 kg (50 lb). They are noted for having the ability to change color, though the exact mechanism and reasons for it are not completely understood. The color is reputed to change when the snake is agitated. They can vary from black to a mustard yellow, but are normally an olive green in appearance when young and dark olive when older, with the sides and underside distinctly lighter.

Distribution and habitat

Found in most of New Guinea, from Misool to Fergusson Island. The type locality given is "Ramoi Nova Guinea austro-occidentiali" (Ramoi, near Sorong, Irian Jaya, Indonesia).[1]

Behavior

Largely terrestrial and mostly nocturnal. Despite their size and impressive strength, they are relatively inoffensive animals and are not prone to bite even if handled.

Feeding

Their diet consists primarily of smaller mammals, but they are also known to be partly ophiophagous.

Captivity

The Papuan python is not commonly available in the exotic pet trade, and when they are available they command high prices. They are a relatively hardy species that adapts well to captivity, readily feeding in commercially available rats. Captive breeding has been done.

References
  1. McDiarmid RW, Campbell JA, Touré T. 1999. Snake Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference, vol. 1. Herpetologists' League. 511 pp. ISBN 1-893777-00-6 (series). ISBN 1-893777-01-4 (volume).
  2. "Apodora". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 9 September 2007.
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