Indian python

The Indian Python or Indian Rock Python (Python molurus molurus) is a python found in India, especially in the estuarine mangrove forest, the arid scrub jungle and the cool dense rain forests.

Indian Python
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Family:	Boidae
Genus:	Python
Species:	P. molurus
Subspecies:	P. m. molurus
Binomial name
Python molurus molurus

These large, thick bodied snakes have smooth scales and a bright pattern of blotches. They can grow up to 3 metres in length. Like other pythons are non-venomous. They prey mainly on mice and birds, although jackals, civets, and even wild boar and deer are occasionally eaten. There is no authentic case of a human being eaten by a python in India. They are in fact valuable as predators on agricultural pests.

These snakes have often been killed for their fine skin and are endangered. In Kerala and Tamil Nadu, python meat is eaten by locals as the fat has purported medicinal value. Like most snakes, they take one huge meal and can go for up to two years without eating.

Reference

• Romulus Whitaker (1978). Common Indian Snakes: A Field Guide. Macmillan India Limited.