Green Tree Python
TYPE: Reptile
STATUS:
Least Concern
QUICK STATS
Body size
1–2 meters
native habitat
Rainforests in low or mid-level altitudes of Northern Australia, New Guinea, surrounding islands
life expectancy
Up to 15 years
diet
Small mammals, birds, reptiles
Reproduction
30 eggs per clutch
predators
Birds of prey and humans
natural defenses
Camouflage, sharp teeth
About the Species
GREEN & GORGEOUS
These pythons come in various shades of green with a broken yellow stripe down their back. They are often found coiled in trees with their head on top. This south Pacific area snake looks very similar to an emerald tree boa.
Often found coiled on a branch in the tree and waiting patiently, this python will still actively hunt its prey.
The green tree python may look very similar to the emerald tree boa, but these two species are a result of convergent evolution. Convergent evolution happens when animals resemble each other and have similar adaptations due to the similarity of their environments, but they are actually not closely related.
The green tree python lays eggs, while the emerald tree boa gives birth to live young. Additionally, pythons are only found in the “Old World” – Africa, Asia, and Australia. Boas are found in the “New World”- North and South America- in addition to the “Old World”.
Morelia viridis
They will often coil themselves on branches with their head on top, searching and waiting for prey.
WORD FROM
THE EXPERTS
