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Pretty boa..
Today 01:04 PM
Today 01:09 PM
1 Replies, 18 Views
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07-28-2007, 04:28 PM
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Lehrer und Forscher
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P. reticulatus clutch care in the wild
This is something that is not often recorded in the wild, but I had the rare opportunity to observe this myself in the Pai District, Mae Hong Son Province. It was reported to us that female Python reticulatus was caring for its clutch. We drove over 50km, with the last stretch being almost impossible jungle trail (terrible during the rainy season). We covered at least 5 km. on foot with 3 river crossings and an ascent up a cliff to get to it.
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Unfortunately, the camera could not get much inside of the crevice, but I got a good look inside. We manipulated the python a bit to get a better estimation of its size; the rangers ran away when they saw this. After getting a good look at her head, I estimate that it was not quite 4 m., but definitely well over 3 m.
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Here is the hollow dipterocarp tree (I have no idea how a gravid Python reticulatus was able to squeeze in there!):
Sorry, but this is the best shot I could get of the python with the camera:
She was quite emaciated and the eggs should be hatching soon. We already have many Python molurus bivittatus where I live that have already hatched.
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Hope you enjoyed this rarely encountered treat.
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Cheers,
Michael
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The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to mrcota For This Useful Post:
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07-28-2007, 04:35 PM
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Snakes need love too!
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Re: P. reticulatus clutch care in the wild
Very exciting pictures and story. Thanks!!
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07-28-2007, 05:13 PM
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:) :) :) :D
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Re: P. reticulatus clutch care in the wild
wow, cool
she prolly climbeerd up the tree and then down the inside or something
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07-28-2007, 06:04 PM
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Don't touch my banana!
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Re: P. reticulatus clutch care in the wild
Wow, after reading the story about a reticulated python killing and eating a person, I think you are VERY VERY brave to get that close to a mama python caring for her eggs!!
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07-28-2007, 09:39 PM
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Professional Poop Scooper
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Re: P. reticulatus clutch care in the wild
I envy you so much. I wish America had large reptiles like reticulatus and salvator. I guess I will have to move to Florida before I can enjoy my back yard. Thanks for sharing it is always a pleasure seeing your pictures.
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07-28-2007, 10:12 PM
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Natural Born Chaos
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Re: P. reticulatus clutch care in the wild
If the mother was so emaciated, do you think she will survive long enough to feed herself after the babies hatch?
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07-29-2007, 12:15 AM
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Regular RTB User
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Re: P. reticulatus clutch care in the wild
That is AMAZING i am so fascinated by retics and their maternal instincts. This is great you totally just made my day. I wish i had been there.
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07-29-2007, 12:52 AM
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