National Conservation Zoo

Opening times today: 10am - 4pm (Last entry at 3pm)

About

The longest snakes in the world, reticulated pythons are famous more for the way they eat than for what they eat.

Due to their size, they are slower-moving than many other snakes but still possess the ability to move quickly when necessary.

Their skin markings provide excellent camouflage among the foliage on the ground, giving them a significant hunting advantage despite not having venom.

Female reticulated pythons can lay between 60 and 100 eggs at a time, which take 70 to 90 days to hatch.

Reticulated python at Chester Zoo
Reticulated python facts
SPECIES
I am a reptile

The reticulated python is the longest snake in the world!

FOUND IN
South-East Asia

They have a wide distribution across several countries.

HABITAT
Tropical forests, woodlands and grasslands

These pythons often live close to rivers and are found in areas with streams and lakes.

DIET
Carnivores

Their diet consists mostly of small mammals and birds, with some prey as large as deer and pigs.

BEHAVIOUR
Ambush predator and defensive

Like all pythons, the reticulated python is an ambush predator, waiting until prey wanders within strike range before killing it by constriction. While curious and intelligent, these pythons are very solitary creatures, coming together only for mating.

AVERAGE SIZE
Up to 10m

They can also weigh up to 75kg. 

LIFE SPAN
15 - 22 years

With human care, they can live for up to around 30 years.

ZOO LOCATION
Realm of the Red Ape

You can find the reticulated python in Realm of the Red Ape.

IUCN red list statusLeast Concern
Animal vulnerability index

Threats

The large size and distinctive scale pattern of reticulated pythons have led to their heavy exploitation for their skin, which is used to make popular leather products such as belts, wallets, and boots.

Habitat loss is another significant threat to this snake. Through our conservation projects in South-East Asia, we work to restore the forest habitats of Borneo, helping not only to protect the future of orangutans but also the survival of all species living there, including the reticulated python. 

Threat Hunting
Hunting or collection