Green Tree Python
Morelia viridis
Conservation Status
Least ConcernReptilia · Pythonidae
About
The green tree python, is a species of snake in the family Pythonidae. The species is native to New Guinea, some islands in Indonesia, and the Cape York Peninsula in Australia. First described by Hermann Schlegel in 1872, it was known for many years as Chondropython viridis. As its common name suggests, it is a bright green snake that can reach a total length of 2 m (6.6 ft) and a weight of 1.6 kg (3.5 lb), with females slightly larger and heavier than males. Living generally in trees, the green tree python mainly hunts and eats small reptiles and mammals. It is a popular pet, and numbers in the wild have suffered with large-scale smuggling of wild-caught green tree pythons in Indonesia. Despite this, the green tree python is rated as least concern on the IUCN Red List of endangered species.
Fun Fact
Juvenile green tree pythons are bright yellow or red, only turning the iconic green at about 6-12 months old — the color change serves camouflage in different canopy layers.
Quick Facts
Habitat
To be updated
Diet
Diet of green tree pythons consists mostly of small mammals, such as murid rodents (Melomys capensis, M.
Lifespan
15 years
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance