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The Majestic Green Tree Python: A Guide to Care and Keeping

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A vibrant green tree python coiled around a branch in a lush

The Majestic Green Tree Python: A Guide to Care and Keeping

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Written by
John Brooks

John Brooks

John Brooks is not just an outdoor enthusiast; he's a storyteller for the voiceless wonders of the natural world. Growing up with an innate love for the outdoors, John's early adventures began in his own backyard, laying the foundation for his lifelong passion.

Over the years, he's traversed some of the world's most awe-inspiring landscapes, from dense tropical jungles to expansive African savannas. Yet, it's his affinity for wild animals that truly sets him apart. This love translated into a prolific writing career, with John penning articles and essays that bridge readers to the heartbeats of the wild.

September 14, 2023 / Reading time: 6 minutes

 Edited by 
Sophie Hodgson

Sophie Hodgson

Meet Sophie, our intrepid wildlife enthusiast whose love for all wild animals knows no bounds. With her background in zoology and her passion for writing, she is the ideal author to explain wildlife topics to you.

When she's not writing, you'll find Sophie camping under the stars or diving into the depths of the ocean.
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Wild Explained follows a strict editorial policy, so you can trust that our content is honest and independent. Our editors, journalists and reporters create independent and accurate content to help you make the right decisions. The content created by our editorial team is therefore objective, factual and not influenced by our advertisers.

We make it transparent how we can offer you high-quality content, competitive prices and useful tools by explaining how each comparison came about. This gives you the best possible assessment of the criteria used to compile the comparisons and what to look out for when reading them. Our comparisons are created independently of paid advertising.

Wild Explained is an independent, advertising-financed publisher and comparison service. We compare different products with each other based on various independent criteria.

If you click on one of these products and then buy something, for example, we may receive a commission from the respective provider. However, this does not make the product more expensive for you. We also do not receive any personal data from you, as we do not track you at all via cookies. The commission allows us to continue to offer our platform free of charge without having to compromise our independence.

Whether we get money or not has no influence on the order of the products in our comparisons, because we want to offer you the best possible content. Independent and always up to date. Although we strive to provide a wide range of offers, sometimes our products do not contain all information about all products or services available on the market. However, we do our best to improve our content for you every day.

Over 1 million readers trust us every year
Written by
John Brooks

John Brooks

John Brooks is not just an outdoor enthusiast; he's a storyteller for the voiceless wonders of the natural world. Growing up with an innate love for the outdoors, John's early adventures began in his own backyard, laying the foundation for his lifelong passion.

Over the years, he's traversed some of the world's most awe-inspiring landscapes, from dense tropical jungles to expansive African savannas. Yet, it's his affinity for wild animals that truly sets him apart. This love translated into a prolific writing career, with John penning articles and essays that bridge readers to the heartbeats of the wild.

 Edited by 
Sophie Hodgson

Sophie Hodgson

Meet Sophie, our intrepid wildlife enthusiast whose love for all wild animals knows no bounds. With her background in zoology and her passion for writing, she is the ideal author to explain wildlife topics to you.

When she's not writing, you'll find Sophie camping under the stars or diving into the depths of the ocean.

September 14, 2023 / Reading time: 6 minutes

This is why you can trust us    

We adhere to editorial integrity are independent and thus not for sale. The article may contain references to products of our partners. Here's an explanation of how we make money.

Why you can trust
us

×

Wild Explained was founded in 2021 and has a long track record of helping people make smart decisions. We have built this reputation for many years by helping our readers with everyday questions and decisions. We have helped thousands of readers find answers.

Wild Explained follows an established editorial policy. Therefore, you can assume that your interests are our top priority. Our editorial team is composed of qualified professional editors and our articles are edited by subject matter experts who verify that our publications, are objective, independent and trustworthy.

Our content deals with topics that are particularly relevant to you as a recipient - we are always on the lookout for the best comparisons, tips and advice for you.

Editorial integrity

×

Wild Explained operates according to an established editorial policy. Therefore, you can be sure that your interests are our top priority. The authors of Wild Explained research independent content to help you with everyday problems and make purchasing decisions easier.

Our principles

Your trust is important to us. That is why we work independently. We want to provide our readers with objective information that keeps them fully informed. Therefore, we have set editorial standards based on our experience to ensure our desired quality. Editorial content is vetted by our journalists and editors to ensure our independence. We draw a clear line between our advertisers and editorial staff. Therefore, our specialist editorial team does not receive any direct remuneration from advertisers on our pages.

Editorial independence

You as a reader are the focus of our editorial work. The best advice for you - that is our greatest goal. We want to help you solve everyday problems and make the right decisions. To ensure that our editorial standards are not influenced by advertisers, we have established clear rules. Our authors do not receive any direct remuneration from the advertisers on our pages. You can therefore rely on the independence of our editorial team.

How we earn money

×

How can we earn money and stay independent, you ask? We'll show you. Our editors and experts have years of experience in researching and writing reader-oriented content. Our primary goal is to provide you, our reader, with added value and to assist you with your everyday questions and purchasing decisions. You are wondering how we make money and stay independent. We have the answers. Our experts, journalists and editors have been helping our readers with everyday questions and decisions for over many years. We constantly strive to provide our readers and consumers with the expert advice and tools they need to succeed throughout their life journey.

Wild Explained follows a strict editorial policy, so you can trust that our content is honest and independent. Our editors, journalists and reporters create independent and accurate content to help you make the right decisions. The content created by our editorial team is therefore objective, factual and not influenced by our advertisers.

We make it transparent how we can offer you high-quality content, competitive prices and useful tools by explaining how each comparison came about. This gives you the best possible assessment of the criteria used to compile the comparisons and what to look out for when reading them. Our comparisons are created independently of paid advertising.

Wild Explained is an independent, advertising-financed publisher and comparison service. We compare different products with each other based on various independent criteria.

If you click on one of these products and then buy something, for example, we may receive a commission from the respective provider. However, this does not make the product more expensive for you. We also do not receive any personal data from you, as we do not track you at all via cookies. The commission allows us to continue to offer our platform free of charge without having to compromise our independence.

Whether we get money or not has no influence on the order of the products in our comparisons, because we want to offer you the best possible content. Independent and always up to date. Although we strive to provide a wide range of offers, sometimes our products do not contain all information about all products or services available on the market. However, we do our best to improve our content for you every day.

The green tree python, scientifically known as Morelia viridis, is a stunning and captivating species of snake that has captured the hearts of reptile enthusiasts worldwide. With its vibrant emerald green coloration and unique ability to curl its body around branches and foliage, this arboreal species is truly a sight to behold.

Understanding the Green Tree Python

Before diving into the intricacies of caring for a green tree python, it is essential to gain a comprehensive understanding of this remarkable species.

The green tree python (Morelia viridis) is a fascinating snake that captivates the attention of reptile enthusiasts worldwide. Native to the rainforests of New Guinea, Indonesia, and Australia, this arboreal serpent belongs to the Pythonidae family, which includes some of the largest snake species in the world. Although green tree pythons are relatively small compared to their python relatives, they make up for it with their striking appearance and unique behavior.

Species Overview

The green tree python is a master of camouflage, perfectly blending in with its lush rainforest habitat. Its vibrant green coloration allows it to disappear among the foliage, making it nearly invisible to both predators and prey. This species has a slender body, with males typically growing to around 4-5 feet in length and females reaching slightly larger sizes.

One of the most distinctive features of the green tree python is its emerald green color. This vibrant hue is not only visually stunning but also serves a purpose in its natural environment. The green tree python’s coloration helps it blend seamlessly with the surrounding vegetation, providing excellent camouflage and allowing it to remain hidden from potential threats.

Natural Habitat

In their natural habitat, green tree pythons can be found high up in the trees, coiled around branches and foliage. This arboreal lifestyle allows them to stay out of reach of potential predators while also providing them easy access to their prey. Their strong prehensile tails, adapted for gripping and climbing, enable them to navigate the dense rainforest canopy with ease.

Living in the tree canopy offers numerous advantages for the green tree python. Not only does it provide protection from ground-dwelling predators, but it also grants them access to a diverse range of prey. These snakes primarily feed on small mammals, birds, and reptiles, which they ambush from their elevated perches. Their ability to strike with lightning speed and accuracy makes them formidable hunters in their natural habitat.

Physical Characteristics

Aside from their striking green coloration, green tree pythons possess other unique physical characteristics. Their head is triangular-shaped, with bright yellow or blue eyes that add to their captivating appearance. These vibrant eyes are not only visually striking but also serve a functional purpose. The green tree python has excellent vision, allowing it to accurately target and strike its prey from a distance.

Another notable feature of the green tree python is the presence of white or yellowish vertical stripes on its body. These markings, along with its green coloration, aid in its camouflage, making it nearly invisible among the foliage. When coiled around a tree branch, the snake’s body pattern mimics the appearance of sunlight filtering through the leaves, further enhancing its ability to remain hidden.

Like all pythons, the green tree python is non-venomous and kills its prey by constriction. Once it captures its victim, it coils its body tightly around it, exerting immense pressure and cutting off the prey’s blood flow and respiration. This method of predation is highly effective, allowing the snake to overpower and consume prey items that are larger than its own head.

In conclusion, the green tree python is a remarkable species that has adapted to thrive in the dense rainforests of New Guinea, Indonesia, and Australia. Its vibrant green coloration, arboreal lifestyle, and unique physical characteristics make it a captivating creature to observe and care for. Understanding the natural history and behavior of the green tree python is crucial for providing optimal care and ensuring the well-being of these magnificent snakes.

Setting Up Your Python’s Home

Creating a suitable habitat for your green tree python is crucial for its health and well-being. Here are some essential considerations when setting up their enclosure.

Choosing the Right Enclosure

A vertical enclosure is recommended for green tree pythons, as these snakes spend most of their time off the ground. A cage made of glass or PVC works well, as it provides optimal visibility while retaining heat and humidity. Make sure the enclosure has secure locking mechanisms to prevent escapes.

The size of the enclosure should be appropriate for the size of your python. Hatchlings can begin in smaller enclosures but will require larger spaces as they grow. Providing enough vertical height for climbing is essential, as well as providing ample hiding spots using branches, vines, and foliage.

Essential Habitat Features

Green tree pythons require specific habitat features to thrive. A temperature gradient should be established within the enclosure, with a warm basking spot at one end and a cooler area at the other. The ambient temperature should range between 78-82°F (25-28°C), while the basking spot should reach around 88-92°F (31-33°C).

Humidity is also crucial for these snakes, as they originate from humid rainforests. Aim for humidity levels between 60-80% by misting the enclosure daily and providing a large water dish for drinking and soaking.

Maintaining Temperature and Humidity

To maintain the appropriate temperature and humidity levels, you will need to invest in a reliable thermostat and hygrometer. These devices will help you monitor and adjust the environmental conditions as needed. It is crucial to maintain a consistent and stable environment to prevent stress and potential health issues.

Additionally, regularly check the temperature and humidity levels to ensure they remain within the appropriate range. This will help you identify any fluctuations or issues that may arise.

Nutrition and Feeding

Feeding your green tree python a well-balanced diet is essential for its overall health and longevity. Here are some important factors to consider.

Dietary Requirements

In the wild, green tree pythons primarily feed on small mammals, including rodents and birds. In captivity, you can offer them appropriately-sized rodents, such as mice and rats. It is important to provide frozen and thawed prey, as live prey can injure or even kill your python.

Younger pythons will require smaller prey items, while adults can be offered larger meals. It is recommended to feed juvenile green tree pythons every 7-10 days, while adults can be fed every 10-14 days.

Feeding Schedule and Techniques

When feeding your green tree python, it is crucial to ensure the prey item is appropriately sized to prevent regurgitation or other digestive issues. The prey item should be about the same diameter as the thickest part of the snake’s body.

To feed your python, thaw the frozen rodent and warm it to approximately the same temperature as the snake’s body. Using tongs, present the prey item to the snake near their head. Once the python strikes and coils around the prey, you can release it, allowing the snake to consume its meal at its own pace.

Common Feeding Issues and Solutions

Some green tree pythons may exhibit feeding reluctance or refuse to eat altogether. This can be stressful for both the snake and the owner. In such cases, several factors may be at play, including stress, improper husbandry, or individual preferences.

If your python refuses multiple meals or exhibits other symptoms of illness, it is crucial to consult a reptile veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Health and Wellness

Maintaining the health and well-being of your green tree python is of utmost importance. Here are some tips to ensure your snake stays in optimal condition.

Common Health Concerns

Green tree pythons can be susceptible to various health issues, including respiratory infections, mouth rot, and parasitic infestations. Regularly monitor your snake for any signs of illness, such as wheezing, excessive mucus, or visible wounds.

Proper husbandry practices, including maintaining ideal temperature and humidity levels, will go a long way in preventing many health issues. Avoiding unnecessary stress and providing a clean environment will also contribute to your python’s overall well-being.

Regular Health Checks

Performing routine health checks on your green tree python is essential for early detection of any potential issues. Regularly examine your snake’s body for signs of injury, parasites, or abnormal behavior.

Additionally, monitoring your python’s weight and conducting regular fecal examinations will help identify any internal health concerns. A healthy green tree python should exhibit a healthy body weight and shed its skin in one complete piece, without any significant issues.

When to Consult a Vet

If you notice any signs of illness or abnormal behavior in your green tree python, it is crucial to seek professional veterinary help. Reptile veterinarians with experience in treating snakes can provide accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatment plans.

Remember, early intervention is often key to successfully treating health issues, so never hesitate to reach out to a reptile veterinarian when in doubt.

By following these guidelines and providing proper care, you can ensure that your green tree python thrives in captivity. Maintaining a suitable habitat, providing a balanced diet, and regularly monitoring their health will contribute to the well-being of your majestic companion.

Written by
John Brooks
Member of our editorial team
More from the author
John Brooks is not just an outdoor enthusiast; he's a storyteller for the voiceless wonders of the natural world. Growing up with an innate love for the outdoors, John's early adventures began in his own backyard, laying the foundation for his lifelong passion.

Over the years, he's traversed some of the world's most awe-inspiring landscapes, from dense tropical jungles to expansive African savannas. Yet, it's his affinity for wild animals that truly sets him apart. This love translated into a prolific writing career, with John penning articles and essays that bridge readers to the heartbeats of the wild.
Edited by
Sophie Hodgson
Member of our editorial team

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