Reticulated Python – Python reticulatus
Image David Vinot
Last Observed: February 2015
Observed By: David Vinot, Stian Giordano Dahler
The reticulated python is the longest snake on earth. Another Koh Chang animal record. The largest example ever measured was a huge 6.95 metres, although there are many unconfirmed reports of much larger specimens (in fact I’ve seen a picture of one on Koh Chang that looked way longer than that).
They are non-venomous, catching their prey through winding their powerful bodies around them and literally squeezing the life out of them. Although there are plenty of anecdotal stories about them attacking humans there is little evidence and they aren’t considered to be areal threat to people. They may go for very long periods without feeding and conserve energy.
They are named after the net-like reticulated pattern of light and dark colouration. This is actually a very effective form of camouflage.
Image Copyright Stian Giordano Dahler
Image: David Vinot
