Sri Lanka Python (Python Molurus Pimbura)

Sinhalese: Dhara Pimbura, Ran Pimbura, Pimbura

Tamil: Periya Pambu, Malai Pambu, Kaloodai Viriyan.

Description: A huge snake which can grow to 8 meters, but usually average about 5.5 meters. Pythons have teeth, a very sensitive tongue, and jaws which can separate to enable them to swallow large prey.

Distribution: Found in the jungles of the low country; occasionally in the lower hills hills and often near water.

Habits: The python is diurnal, nocturnal and solitary. They swim well, can climb trees and are not venomous. Their food consists of small to medium sized animals which they catch using their teeth, kill by constriction and swallow whole once once the prey is dead. If the meal is substantial the python does not need to feed again for 4 or more months. They have good sight over short distances, are deaf, but can feel vibrations through the ground. Their extremely sensitive tongues can sense loud noises and convey smells to the scent organ in the roof of the mouth. Their lips can also feel warmth from about one third of a meter, which means they catch their prey at night. The python has been known to live for 22 years in captivity.

Breeding: The female lays anything from 8 to 107 eggs which she incubate for about 8 weeks by wrapping herself around the eggs and laying her head on top. The young are about 60-75 cm long when hatched.