Merauke Green Tree Python
Morelia viridis
A southern New Guinea locality form of the green tree python from the savanna-fringed lowlands near Merauke.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 1.2-1.8 m (4-6 ft)
- Range
- Merauke region, southern Papua, Indonesia
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Overview
The Merauke green tree python comes from the southern Papua lowlands near the town of Merauke, an area transitional between rainforest and drier savanna habitats unusual for this normally rainforest-associated species. This locality is notable for occupying a somewhat different ecological setting than most other green tree python populations.
It is taxonomically identical to Morelia viridis found elsewhere, differing mainly in subtle pattern and scalation trends associated with its geographic origin.
How to identify it
- Green adult coloration, sometimes with a yellowish cast noted in some individuals from this locality
- Faint or interrupted white vertebral stripe
- Broad, triangular head with heat-sensing pits
- Vertical pupils
- Prehensile tail tip used for luring prey as juveniles
- Hatchlings are yellow or red before transitioning to green
Habitat & range
Found in gallery forest, forest edges, and riverine vegetation within the monsoon forest-savanna mosaic surrounding Merauke in southern New Guinea, at low elevation near sea level.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and arboreal, spending daylight hours in a coiled resting posture on a branch. Hunts small mammals, birds, and lizards by ambush, using constriction to kill prey. Oviparous reproduction with maternal egg-coiling behavior during incubation.
Frequently asked questions
Is the habitat around Merauke unusual for this species?
Yes, the area blends monsoon forest and savanna, somewhat drier than the classic rainforest habitat of most green tree pythons.
Is it a distinct species?
No, it is a locality population of Morelia viridis.
Is it venomous?
No, it is non-venomous.
What color are hatchlings?
Yellow or red, changing to green with maturity.
Merauke Green Tree Python guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Merauke Green Tree Python.
