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Green Tree Python

All About Green Tree Pythons: Appearance, Origin, and Behavior

Green Tree Pythons (Morelia viridis) are strikingly beautiful non-venomous snakes admired for their vibrant colors and arboreal lifestyle. Native to the tropical rainforests of New Guinea, parts of Indonesia, and the Cape York Peninsula in Australia, these snakes are perfectly adapted for life among the trees. Their vibrant colors, ranging from bright green to yellow and blue, make them a favorite among reptile enthusiasts.

Adult Green Tree Pythons vary in size, with males typically reaching lengths of 4 to 5 feet, while females are larger, often growing up to 6 feet. Rare specimens can exceed this, with some reaching nearly 7 feet. They have a slender, muscular body designed for climbing, a broad head, and large, heat-sensing pits near their nostrils for detecting prey.

Green Tree Pythons are known for their incredible color variations, both naturally occurring and selectively bred. Wild morphs include yellows, blues, and even white speckles, while captive-bred morphs such as the “High Blue” and “Albino” are rare and highly sought after. These snakes can live for 15 to 20 years in captivity with proper care, though their lifespan in the wild may be shorter due to predators and environmental factors.

In the wild, they thrive in humid forests with plenty of vegetation, where they perch on branches in a signature “coiled” posture. They are ambush predators, remaining motionless for hours to surprise their prey. Green Tree Pythons do not hibernate, but they may reduce activity during cooler months. Shedding occurs every 4-6 weeks in younger snakes and less frequently in adults. This process, essential for growth and skin health, requires adequate humidity to ensure smooth shedding. Breeding them in captivity is possible but requires careful temperature and humidity regulation to mimic natural conditions.

Green Tree Python Care Guide and Common Health Problems

Caring for a Green Tree Python requires dedication, as their health depends on specific environmental and dietary needs. Common health issues include respiratory infections, parasitic infestations, and retained shed, all of which can result from improper humidity or hygiene. Look for symptoms such as wheezing, loss of appetite, or discolored scales, and quarantine any new snake for at least 30 days before introducing it to others.

To avoid these problems, maintain proper humidity levels, clean their enclosure regularly, and use reptile-safe cleaning products from reputable brands like Zoo Med or Exo Terra. Grooming involves ensuring a clean habitat, monitoring shed cycles, and trimming overgrown teeth if necessary. Initial costs for setting up a suitable enclosure can range from $300 to $1,000, while monthly costs for food, electricity, and cleaning supplies average around $50. Annual veterinary checkups, if needed, could add $100 to $200 to the total expense. Products are widely available online from platforms like Chewy and Amazon.

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What Do Green Tree Pythons Eat?

Green Tree Pythons are carnivorous, primarily eating small mammals, birds, and reptiles in the wild. In captivity, they thrive on a diet of appropriately sized rodents like mice or rats. Feed juvenile snakes every 5-7 days and adults every 10-14 days. Always ensure the prey size is no larger than the snake’s widest body part.

Feed them in their enclosure to minimize stress, but remove uneaten food promptly to prevent spoilage. High-quality frozen-thawed rodents are preferable to live prey for safety and convenience. Reptile-safe calcium and vitamin D3 supplements can be added occasionally to support bone health. Ensure clean water is always available, and offer a treat like quail or small chicks sparingly to prevent obesity.

Green Tree Python Habitat Setup Guide

Creating a proper enclosure is essential for a healthy Green Tree Python. Juveniles can thrive in a 12x12x18-inch tank, while adults require a minimum of 24x24x36 inches. The substrate should retain humidity without promoting mold; options like cypress mulch or reptile-safe soil work well. Add climbing branches, perches, and hiding spots to simulate their natural habitat.

Temperature gradients are crucial, with a basking area of 88-92°F and a cooler zone of 75-80°F. Use thermostats and ceramic heaters to maintain consistent warmth. Humidity should range from 50-70%, with occasional misting to aid shedding. Brands like Zoo Med and Exo Terra offer reliable thermometers, hygrometers, and misting systems.

Clean the enclosure weekly, removing waste and uneaten food, and sanitize monthly with reptile-safe disinfectants. Avoid housing them with other species, as this increases stress and health risks. Simulating their wild habitat with live plants, proper lighting, and enrichment like climbing ropes can keep them active and happy.

For breeding pairs, provide separate enclosures initially to reduce aggression, and introduce them only during the breeding season with careful monitoring.

Image from : Image generated with the help of AI tools by Reptile enthusiasts with adequate knowledge about the species.

Are Green Tree Pythons Good Pets?

Green Tree Pythons are more suited for experienced reptile keepers due to their specific care requirements. While not social in the traditional sense, they can become accustomed to gentle handling. However, they have a reputation for being defensive, especially as juveniles, and may strike if stressed.

They are not ideal for young children due to their handling sensitivity and the potential risk of bites. Green Tree Pythons should not be allowed to roam freely in the house, as this could lead to injury or escape. Captive-bred snakes are generally calmer and healthier than wild-caught ones, making them a better choice for pets.

How to Choose a Green Tree Python?

When choosing a Green Tree Python, look for a snake with clear eyes, smooth scales, and a healthy appetite. Red flags include visible injuries, lethargy, or difficulty breathing. Captive-bred snakes are strongly recommended, as they adapt better to life in enclosures and are less likely to carry parasites.

Ensure proper documentation, including health records and, if applicable, DNA certificates for rare morphs. Prices vary by region, with common morphs starting at $300-$500 in the U.S. Exotic morphs can exceed $2,000. Regulations may vary, so check local laws before purchasing. Green Tree Pythons are available in pet stores and breeders across the U.S., Canada, and parts of Asia, but availability and legality differ by country.