Green tree python (Morelia viridis)

Short answers

Green tree python: 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: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 26–31 °C (cooler near the ground 24–26 °C), basking spot 30–33 °C (upper perch branch under a heat emitter), at night 22–25 °C.

Green tree python: Does it need UVB lighting?

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

Green tree python: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 15–20+ years.

Green tree python: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

26–31 °C (cooler near the ground 24–26 °C)

Night temperature

22–25 °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-retentive: coco fibre, forest-floor substrate, pine bark; horizontal resting branches at several heights

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

120–200 cm depending on locality form (Biak and Merauke forms the largest)

Life expectancy

15–20+ years

Origin

New Guinea, its offshore islands and northeast Australia

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

Collective entry for all locality forms of Morelia viridis — intended for captive-bred animals from mixed pairings and for animals without a confirmed origin. Locality is a price and breeding factor for the green tree python: anyone who can document it should state it.

Do you keep this species?

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

Green tree python (Morelia viridis) currently offered

• Baumpython 2026 – Saalfelder Höhe · 350 €

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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 – Merauke (Morelia viridis) – Intermediate
• Green tree python – Sorong (Morelia viridis) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Green tree python (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-retentive: coco fibre, forest-floor substrate, pine bark; horizontal resting branches at several heights), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.