Python (genus)


Python is a genus of constricting snakes in the Pythonidae family native to the tropics and subtropics of the Eastern Hemisphere.
The name Python was proposed by François Marie Daudin in 1803 for non-venomous flecked snakes.
Currently, 10 python species are recognized as valid taxa.
Three formerly considered python subspecies have been promoted, and a new species recognized.

Taxonomy

The generic name Python was proposed by François Marie Daudin in 1803 for non-venomous snakes with a flecked skin and a long split tongue.
In 1993, seven python species were recognized as valid taxa.
Based on phylogenetic analyses, between seven and 13 python species are recognized.
SpeciesImageIUCN Red List and geographic range
Indian python Not Evaluated|
African rock python
Not Evaluated|
Ball python Least Concern|
Burmese python Vulnerable species|
Sumatran short-tailed python Least Concern|
Southeast Asia in southern Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Bornean short-tailed python Least Concern|
Borneo
Angolan python Least Concern|
Brongersma's short-tailed python Least Concern|
Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Bangka Island, Lingga islands, Riau islands, and Pinang
Myanmar short-tailed python Vulnerable species|
West of the Tenghyo Range, Myanmar
Python europaeus Extinct|
Extinct species from the Miocene era, described on basis of vertebrae found in Vieux-Collonges and La Grive in France.

Distribution and habitat

In Africa, pythons are native to the tropics south of the Sahara, but not in the extreme south-western tip of southern Africa or in Madagascar. In Asia, they occur from Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, including the Nicobar Islands, through Myanmar, east to Indochina, southern China, Hong Kong and Hainan, as well as in the Malayan region of Indonesia and the Philippines.

Invasive

Some suggest that P. bivittatus and P. sebae have the potential to be problematic invasive species in South Florida. In early 2016, after a culling operation yielded 106 pythons, Everglades National Park officials suggested that "thousands" may live within the park, and that the species has been breeding there for some years. More recent data suggest that these pythons would not withstand winter climates north of Florida, contradicting previous research suggesting a more significant geographic potential range.

Uses

Python skin is used to make clothing, such as vests, belts, boots and shoes, or fashion accessories such as handbags. It may also be stretched and formed as the sound board of some string musical instruments, such as the erhu spike-fiddle, sanxian and the sanshin lutes.

As pets

Many Python species, such as P. regius, P. brongersmai, P. bivittatus and M. reticulatus, are popular to keep as pets due to their ease of care, docile temperament, and vibrant colors, with some rare mutations having been sold for several thousands of dollars. Despite controversy that has arisen from media reports, with proper safety procedures pet pythons are relatively safe to own, and deaths associated with them are isolated compared to other domestic animals, such as dogs and horses.

Etymology

The word 'python' is derived from Latin meaning 'serpent'.