Timor python (Malayopython timoriensis)

Short answers

Timor python: How big does the enclosure need to be?

From 190×125×125 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, reticulated python, over 2.5 m).

Timor python: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 28–32 °C, basking spot 33–34 °C, at night 23–25 °C.

Timor python: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Recommended.

Timor python: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 20 years.

Timor python: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

28–32 °C

Night temperature

23–25 °C

Basking spot

33–34 °C

Humidity

60–75 %

UVB

Recommended

Enclosure

Minimum size

from 190×125×125 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, reticulated python, over 2.5 m)

Substrate

Coco humus or bark mulch, sturdy climbing branches

Feeding

Food

Frozen-thawed rats

Feeding interval

adults every 14–21 days

Key facts

Adult size

150–250 cm, slender

Life expectancy

20 years

Origin

Kleine Sundainseln (Flores, Lomblen und Nachbarinseln); Vorkommen auf Timor trotz des Namens zweifelhaft

Protection status

CITES II

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

Keep them singly. Snakes are solitary and do not seek company — a shared hide is competition for the best spot, not social behaviour. The concrete reason is the feeding accident: if two animals grab the same food item, one can swallow the other along with it. On top of that, once they are kept together you can no longer tell which animal has eaten and which is losing weight. For breeding, put them together under supervision and separate them again afterwards.

Notes

A slender, climbing-keen python with a strong urge to move. The young are often nervous and snappy, and usually calm down with regular handling.

Do you keep this species?

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Related species

• Reticulated python (Malayopython reticulatus) – Expert
• Amethystine python (Simalia amethistina) – Intermediate to expert
• Angolan python (Python anchietae) – Intermediate
• Australian scrub python (Simalia kinghorni) – Intermediate
• Black-headed python (Aspidites melanocephalus) – Intermediate
• Boelen's python (Simalia boeleni) – Expert
• Burmese python (Python bivittatus) – Expert
• Indian python (Python molurus) – Expert

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Timor python (Malayopython timoriensis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 190×125×125 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, reticulated python, over 2.5 m)), substrate (Coco humus or bark mulch, sturdy climbing branches), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.