Reptoria

Green tree python – Aru (Morelia viridis)

Green tree python – Aru (Morelia viridis) in a terrarium

Snakes · Difficulty: Intermediate

Key facts and care guidance for Green tree python – Aru (Morelia viridis) (origin: The Aru Islands (a local form of Morelia viridis)). Adult size around 150–180 cm. Life expectancy 15–20 years, well-cared-for individuals over 25 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.

Short answers

Green tree python – Aru: How big does the enclosure need to be?

At least 135×90×200 cm for 1 adult animal (BMEL expert report: 0.75 × 0.5 × 1.5 times total length, height capped at 2.0 m); height, horizontal perching branches and strong ventilation matter more than floor space.

Green tree python – Aru: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 26–30 °C (cooler near the floor, 24–26 °C), basking spot 30–33 °C (upper perch branch under a heat emitter), at night 22–24 °C.

Green tree python – Aru: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB not essential (nocturnal), low UVB optional.

Green tree python – Aru: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 15–20 years, well-cared-for individuals over 25 years.

Green tree python – Aru: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature
26–30 °C (cooler near the floor, 24–26 °C)
Night temperature
22–24 °C
Basking spot
30–33 °C (upper perch branch under a heat emitter)
Humidity
60–90 % (average ~70–80 %, higher at night; good ventilation is essential)
UVB
UVB not essential (nocturnal), low UVB optional

Enclosure

Minimum size
at least 135×90×200 cm for 1 adult animal (BMEL expert report: 0.75 × 0.5 × 1.5 times total length, height capped at 2.0 m); height, horizontal perching branches and strong ventilation matter more than floor space
Substrate
Moisture-retaining: coco humus, forest floor, pine bark

Feeding

Food
Mice and rats (of a suitable size)
Feeding interval
Adults every 14–28 days, subadults every 14–21 days, juveniles every 5–7 days.

Key facts

Adult size
150–180 cm
Life expectancy
15–20 years, well-cared-for individuals over 25 years
Origin
The Aru Islands (a local form of Morelia viridis)
Protection status
CITES Appendix II, EU Regulation 338/97 Annex B → specially protected under German law; proof of origin plus registration required
Brumation
No real winter rest; a slight seasonal night-time drop or dry spell to stimulate breeding
Cohabitation
Keep them singly – tree pythons are stress-prone loners; put them together only under supervision for breeding, then separate them; never keep males together

Notes

Aru animals lack the continuous blue dorsal band; it is considered a comparatively calm and even-tempered local form. Sensitive to temperature, humidity and ventilation. Minimise handling.

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What you need to start

To keep Green tree python – Aru (Morelia viridis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (at least 135×90×200 cm for 1 adult animal (BMEL expert report: 0.75 × 0.5 × 1.5 times total length, height capped at 2.0 m); height, horizontal perching branches and strong ventilation matter more than floor space), substrate (Moisture-retaining: coco humus, forest floor, pine bark), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.

The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.

Last updated: 23 September 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: Wikipedia DE, bmleh.de, einrichtungsbeispiele.de, festland-baumpythons.de, little-big-giants.com

All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).