Green tree python – Merauke (Morelia viridis)

Short answers

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

From 150×100×200 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, over 2 m, tree pythons — this species lives in the branches, so height matters more than floor area).

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

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

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

Life expectancy: 15–20+ years.

Green tree python – Merauke: 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

from 150×100×200 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, over 2 m, tree pythons — this species lives in the branches, so height matters more than floor area)

Substrate

Moisture-retaining: coco humus, forest floor, pine bark

Feeding

Food

Mice and rats (of a suitable size)

Feeding interval

adults every 10–21 days, juveniles every 5–7 days

Key facts

Adult size

160–200 cm (grows quite large)

Life expectancy

15–20+ years

Origin

Merauke (southern New Guinea, the mainland form) – 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

Merauke: the southern mainland form, typically with a continuous white dorsal band, and large-growing (towards 2 m). Plan for a somewhat larger terrarium. Ventilation matters.

Do you keep this species?

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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 – Biak (Morelia viridis) – Intermediate
• Green tree python – Jayapura (Morelia viridis) – Intermediate
• Green tree python – Lereh (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 – Merauke (Morelia viridis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 150×100×200 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, over 2 m, tree pythons — this species lives in the branches, so height matters more than floor area)), 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.