| Morelia boeleni | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Subphylum: | Vertebrata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Pythonidae |
| Genus: | Morelia |
| Species: | M. boeleni |
| Binomial name | |
| Morelia boeleni (Brongersma, 1953) |
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| Synonyms | |
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Morelia boeleni is a non-venomous python species found in the mountains of New Guinea.[2] No subspecies are currently recognized.[3]
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The upperside color pattern is dark bluish-black or purplish-black and the anterior part of underside white to pale yellow. The white extends up the flanks as a series of streaks. The upper and lower lips are also patterned with pale or whitish labial scales. The black portions are commonly iridescent with an oil-slick like sheen. The body is stocky and the head large.
The unmistakable and famed Boelen's Python is Papua New Guinea's most important snake species, receiving the highest legal protection possible. Locally it is also known as the Blu Moran or Papa Graun. Found in Indonesia (Western New Guinea in the Wissel Lakes region) and Papua New Guinea (the provinces of Eastern Highlands, Central and Morobe, and Goodenough Island). The type locality given is "Dimija (3°56'S, 136°18'E), Wissel Lakes, Dutch New Guinea, about 1750 m (5700 ft) above sea level" (Western New Guinea, Indonesia).[1]
The species inhabits forested montane regions of over 1000 metres elevation. It is generally encountered on the forest floor, but is also reckoned to be an able climber.
The diet consists of mammals, lizards, and birds.
This species is considered to be highly desirable by private keepers due to its beauty, but is also exceptionally rare in collections[4]. Although captive-born snakes are fairly hardy in captivity[5], wild-caught individuals are considerably more difficult to keep successfully[6]. Captive breeding is exceedingly rare, and the conditions necessary are still unclear[7].