Green tree python – Biak (Morelia viridis)

Short answers

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

At least 150×100×200 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 – Biak: 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 – Biak: Does it need UVB lighting?

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

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

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

Green tree python – Biak: 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 150×100×200 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

160–180 cm, large females up to ~200 cm (the largest local form)

Life expectancy

15–20 years, well-cared-for individuals over 25 years

Origin

The island of Biak (Cenderawasih Bay, New Guinea) – 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

Biak: a raised proportion of yellow, the largest and heaviest GTP local form, and considered markedly more bitey and aggressive – not one for beginners. Take care when handling. Watch the ventilation (susceptibility to respiratory problems).

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for Green tree python – Biak (Morelia viridis) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Centralian carpet python (Morelia bredli) – Intermediate
• Darwin carpet python (Morelia spilota variegata) – Beginner
• Green tree python – Aru (Morelia viridis) – Intermediate
• Green tree python – Jayapura (Morelia viridis) – Intermediate
• Green tree python – Lereh (Morelia viridis) – Intermediate
• Green tree python – Merauke (Morelia viridis) – Intermediate
• Green tree python – Sorong (Morelia viridis) – Intermediate
• Green tree python (Morelia viridis) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Green tree python – Biak (Morelia viridis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (at least 150×100×200 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.