Dwarf Burmese python: Difference between revisions

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The ''' Dwarf Burmese python''' (''Python bivittatus progschai'') is island based dwarf sub-species of the [[Burmese Python]] (''Python bivittatus bivittatus''). The Dwarf Burmese is native to the Indonesian islands of [[Java]], [[Bali]], [[Sumbawa]], and [[Sulawesi]]. The Dwarf sub-species seems to have a maximum length of {{convert|8.2|ft|abbr=on}}.<ref name="LangVogel">de Lang R, Vogel G (2005). ''The Snakes of Sulawesi: A Field Guide to the Land Snakes of Sulawesi with Identification Keys''. Frankfurt Contributions to Natural History Band 25, Edition Chimaira 2005. {{ISBN|3-930612-85-2}}. pp. 23-27, 198-201.</ref> In 2009, the Dwarf Burmese Python was official recognized as sub-species of the Burmese Python.<ref>{{cite journal

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==Distribution and habitat==

The species has a [[disjunct distribution]], natively occurring both on the Asian mainland from India through Nepal to Indonesia and China, and on several Indonesian islands (Java, Nusa Barung, Bali, Sumbawa, possibly Lombok, and south Sulawesi). It does not inhabit peninsular Malaysia, Borneo and Sumatra. Introduced populations exist in southern Florida, based on escapees from the pet trade. The dwarf Burmese python can be found in grasslands, forested woodlands, jungles, marshes, swamps, and river valleys; it generally requires the presence of water.<ref name=IUCN/>

==Behavior==

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Dwarf Burmese pythons are mainly nocturnal, forest dwellers, much like their larger mainland cousins. When young, they are equally at home on the ground and in trees, but as they gain girth, they tend to restrict most of their movements to the ground. They are also excellent swimmers, being able to stay submerged for up to half an hour. Burmese pythons spend the majority of their time hidden in the underbrush.

Dwarf Burmese Pythons breed in the mid spring, with females laying clutches of 8-14 eggs in April or May. The females remain with the eggs until they hatch, wrapping around them and twitching their muscles in such a way as to raise the ambient temperature around the eggs by several degrees. Once the hatchlings use their [[egg tooth]] to cut their way out of their eggs, no further maternal care is given. In captivity - the eggs can be taken from the female and hatched in about 56-60 days.<ref>Dwarf Burmese Pythons With Eggs by Bob Clark - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgP5_DB0aiU </ref>

==Diet==

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==Captivity==

Dwarf Burmese pythons have been kept and bred in captivity since 2003, when they were first imported from Indonesia.<ref> http://www.tomreaganreptiles.com/Our_Projects.html(Tom Reagan Reptiles.com - website)</ref> While they not nearly as common or popular as their larger mainland cousins. They still can be sold as pets. However Dwarfs tend to have the reputation of having a nasty disposition (hissing & striking). This is mainly caused by wild caught adults. Captive born and bred juveniles, tend be more similar to normal mainland Burmese is their temperament and disposition. CBB Dwarfs tend to have a fairly docile, but curious personality. While dwarfs do not grow as their larger, mainland cousins. They still reach full sexual maturity in less than 3 years.

While there are no known morphs linked to the Dwarf Burmese Pythons, at this time. Hybridshybrids between the Dwarf and Nominal forms do exist - often called Half Dwarfs. These hybrids are often slightly larger than the Dwarf Burmese Pythons. The hybrids also can produce various morphs starting in the 2nd generation. In 2005, the very first F1 Half Dwarf Burmese Python Morphs Pythons were first produced in the United States. In 2008, The verythe first F2 Half Dwarfs were produced from F1 parents. <ref>http://www.reptiletalk.net/half-dwarf-burmese-pythons (ReptileTalk.net- website) </ref>

==Conservation==