PYTHON (AJGAR)

Contents hide

1) Introduction

2) Classification of Python (Ajgar)

3) Geographical distribution

4) Habit and habitat

5) General Characteristics of Python (Ajgar)

6) Ecological Importance

7) Conservation Status

8) Special features

9) Identification

Introduction

Pythons are large, non-venomous snakes belonging to the family Pythonidae. Found primarily in Africa, Asia, and Australia, these snakes are known for their immense size and constricting hunting technique. Species like the reticulated python (Malayopython reticulatus) and Burmese python (Python bivittatus) are some of the longest and heaviest snakes in the world. Revered and feared, pythons play a significant role in maintaining ecological balance and are often highlighted in conservation efforts due to their vulnerability in some regions.

Classification of Python (Ajgar)

Phylum :- Chordata (Dorsal tubular nerve cord, notochord and gill-slits present.)
Group :- Craniata (Definite head, Cranium with brain present.)
Sub phylum :- Vertebrata (Vertebral column present.)
Division :- Gnathostomata (Jaws and paired appendages present.)
Super Class :- Tetrapoda (Paired limbs, lungs, cornified skin and bony skeleton.)
Class :- Reptilia (Scaly vertebrates. Right and left aortic arches present. Single condyle. Pulmonary respiration. Embryo with amnion and allantois.)
Sub Class :- Diapsida (Skull with two temporal openings separated by post-orbital and squamosal.)
Order :- Squamata (Lizards and snakes with horny epidermal scales or shields. Quadrate bone movable. Vertebrae procoelous. Anal opening transverse.. Vertebrae amphicentrous.)
Sub-order :- Ophidia (Snakes. Limbs, feet, ear openings sternum and urinary bladder absent. Mandibles jointed anteriorly by ligament. Tongue slender, bifid and protrusible. Left lung reduced.)
Family :- Boidae (Vestiges of pelvic girdle and hind limb as 2 spurs on ventral sides)
Genus :- Python

Geographical distribution

Python has world-wide distribution except New Zealand.

Habit and habitat

They are found mostly on ground, in trees of tropical jungle, in dry, rocky or sandy places. They kill birds, goats, sheep, deer, cows, dogs, horses and even tigers. They can also swim in water. Oviparous.

General Characteristics of Python (Ajgar)

Commonly known as Ajgar, is a favourite snake in a serpentarium.
Animal is huge, massive, voluminous, measuring about 10 meters in length, and weighing nearly 110 kilograms.
Body is covered with small scales in 60-75 rows. Body divided into head, neck, trunk and tail. Head contains mouth, nostril and eyes.
Dorsal side has brown pigmentation with dark grey rhomboid edged spots while ventral side is greyish with yellow brown spots.
Head is distinct from the neck and covered with symmetrical shields or small scales. Eyes are free and functional with vertical pupil.
Mandibles, pterygoids, palatines, maxillae and premaxillae contain teeth. Maxilla, palatine and pterygoid movable.
Rostral scale of head contains a deep thermo-receptive pit. Lancet-shaped brown mark present over head. Parietal, loreal and temporal regions are covered with irregular plates.
Supra-labials are 11-13, 1st two contain pit and 7th touching eye, infralabials 16-18.

Ecological Importance

Predator Role: They are apex or mesopredators in their ecosystems, controlling populations of small mammals, birds, and reptiles, which helps maintain ecological balance.
Prey for Larger Animals: Young ones serve as prey for larger predators such as big cats, crocodiles, and raptors, contributing to the food web.
Seed Dispersal: Through their prey’s digestion, pythons indirectly aid in seed dispersal, benefiting plant communities.
Ecosystem Engineers: As burrow users, they often inhabit burrows of other animals, which they modify and expand, creating habitats for other species.

Conservation Status

Global Status:
The conservation status of pythons varies by species:
- Burmese Python (Python bivittatus): Vulnerable.
- Reticulated Python (Malayopython reticulatus): Least Concern.
- Indian Python (Python molurus): Near Threatened.
Threats:
- Habitat loss due to deforestation and urbanization.
- Poaching for their skin, meat, and traditional medicine.
- Invasive species status in non-native regions, leading to persecution.
Conservation Measures:
- Habitat protection and restoration in native ranges.
- Stricter regulations on illegal trade.
- Public education to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts and dispel myths about snakes.

Special features

It is very lethargic but during feeding and on seeing prey, it becomes very active and coils around the prey. It kills the prey by pressing within the coils of its massive muscular body and gradually it shoves the prey. Indian Python is P. molurus. It is one of the largest living serpent.
Constricting Hunting Method: Pythons are powerful constrictors, subduing their prey by wrapping around it and exerting immense pressure.
Infrared Sensing: They possess specialized pits near their mouth to detect infrared radiation, allowing them to sense warm-blooded prey even in darkness.
Impressive Size: Some pythons can grow over 20 feet in length, making them among the largest snakes globally.
Reproduction: Pythons are oviparous (egg-laying), and females exhibit maternal care by incubating their eggs through muscle contractions.
Adaptability: They thrive in diverse habitats, including forests, grasslands, wetlands, and even urban areas.