Fun Timor Python Facts For Kids

The python family, Pythonidae, can be very intimidating as they are considered some of the largest snakes. Timor pythons are not as massive as many other pythons; instead, they are dwarf nonvenomous constrictors with heat-sensing pits. This reptile is not considered extremely dangerous like some other python species and this snake has a length of 83 in (210.8 cm) approximately. The temperament of this snake is predominantly nervous and it is also acknowledged as a high-strung specimen. The geographical range of this reptile is limited to Southeast Asia, where it can be discovered in the open terrains of the Lesser Sunda Islands, especially in Flores and Lombien.

Are you intrigued to learn more? Keep reading this article for more interesting facts about Timor pythons and for more relatable content, check out these Borneo python facts and python facts for kids.

What type of animal is a Timor python?

The Timor python (Malayopython timoriensis) is a snake species. It is a non-poisonous snake that is partially arboreal that inhabits islands in southeastern Indonesia.

What class of animal does a Timor python belong to?

Timor pythons are incredibly active snakes and they belong to the class of Reptilia and the genus Malayopython. The Malayopython genus consists of only two python species: the reticulated python whose scientific name is Malayopython reticulatus, and the Timor python (Malayopython timoriensis). The reticulated python has three well-recognized subspecies while the Timor python (timoriensis) has no subspecies.

How many Timor pythons are there in the world?

The total number of Timor pythons present in the world is not listed. However, the population of these arboreal snakes is influenced by numerous factors such as habitat loss and the rise of human settlements.

Where does a Timor python live?

This python (timoriensis) is a dwarf python and its geographical range of distribution covers the islands of Indonesia, particularly the southeastern region that encompasses the Lesser Sunda Islands. This snake is also kept in terrariums in homes or in zoos, where it is raised as a pet.

What is a Timor python's habitat?

The Lesser Sunda Islands of Indonesia have open terrain forests particularly in Flores and Lombien which provide the ideal habitat for these reptiles. Nonetheless, if these snakes are kept in terrariums in homes and zoos then they must be provided with an ideal habitat so that they can thrive. Adult snakes require a bigger terrarium than a juvenile. Also, it is crucial to maintain a standard temperature that is around 88 F (31.1 C) during the daytime and 84.2 F (29 C) at nighttime in the months of April to September. In the cold months, 71-72 F (21.7-22.2 C) during daytime and 64 F (17.8 C) at night is required. Along with this, this species of snake also requires a fresh supply of water and proper food in captivity.

Who does Timor python live with?

Reptiles like pythons and boas are primarily solitary species and it is solely during the mating season they look for companions. However, not much has been documented about Timor pythons specifically.

How long does a Timor python live?

The average life expectancy of the Malayopython timoriensis can be more than 20 years.

How do they reproduce?

Timor pythons attain sexual maturity by the time they turn four years of age. There is not much information available about their behavior or reproduction. These pythons are primarily solitary and they search for a partner only during the mating season. The Malayopython timoriensis is oviparous and lays approximately four to five eggs after mating. The female snake coils around the eggs to regulate and protect them. After an incubation period of between nine and 10 weeks, the eggs are hatched.

What is their conservation status?

The conservation status of the Timor python is Not Evaluated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. However, factors like habitat loss, an increase in human settlements, and the rise of agriculture have had an influence on the population of these snakes.

What does a Timor python look like?

The Malayopython timoriensis is a dwarf variety of python that is arboreal. The adult snake is not as big as many other python species. The body is green-brown and the pattern present from its head to the middle of its body is dark brown, regardless of the lower portion which is entirely brown. The heat-sensing pits of this snake are located between its mouth and nostril which enable it to track down its prey even in darkness.

How cute are they?

The Timor python is a constrictor and due to its temperament, nature, and length, it can be described as intimidating rather than cute.

How do they communicate?

There is not much data regarding the communication methods of Timor pythons.

How big is a Timor python?

The Malayopython timoriensis is a dwarf variety of python. An adult can grow as long as 83 in (210.8 cm), but if compared to other species like the reticulated python it is very small as the reticulated python can grow as long as 246 in (625 cm)!

How fast can a Timor python move?

The Timor python is extremely agile and high-strung, however, the exact speed of this snake is not listed.

How much does a Timor python weigh?

An adult Timor python weighs approximately 20 lb (9 kg).

What are the male and female names of the species?

There are no specific names assigned to male and female snakes of this species.

What would you call a baby Timor python?

Newborn snakes which hatch from the eggs after incubation are known as snakelets.

What do they eat?

Mammals, rodents, birds, and other terrestrial animals are their major source of food.

Are they poisonous?

No, these pythons are non-venomous.

Would they make a good pet?

The Timor python is often kept as a pet because it is not as long as the other python species so less space is required. However, it requires a special terrarium and plenty of specialized care. It can thrive best in its natural habitat but it can also live well in captivity. In terms of the conservation of this animal, it is best not to keep them as a pet and to leave them in their natural habitat.

Did you know...

The name of this snake can be misleading as Timor pythons are not found in the Timor Islands. They are discovered in the neighboring islands, the Lesser Sunda Islands, and can be said to be endemic to this location.

The teeth of arboreal pythons are longer than those of their relation, terrestrial pythons.

The green anaconda found in South America is said to be the largest snake as it is much heavier than a reticulated python.

How many different pythons are there?

The family Pythonidae is identified for its non-venomous specimens that are scattered primarily around the continents of Australia, Asia, and Africa. The length of the python species is approximately 246 in (625 cm). The genera of pythons include Antaresia, Apodora, Aspidites, Bothrochilus, Leiopython, Liasis, Malayopython, Morelia, Nawaran, Python, and Simalia, and there are almost 42 species. The genus Python is also dubbed the true python and it includes 10 species of pythons such as the Indian python, the African rock python, the ball python, the Burmese python, and others.

What are pythons known for?

Pythons are widely acknowledged for their length and their unique method of preying. Some species of python, like the reticulated python, can be extremely long. Pythons are nonvenomous hence they grab their prey (which is mostly terrestrial animals and rodents) and kill it by coiling around it. Once the prey becomes lifeless, the python swallows the whole prey. It is also believed that they are capable of ending a human life.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other reptiles from our spiny softshell turtle interesting facts and Asian vine snake surprising facts pages.

You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable Timor python coloring pages.