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SPECIES PROFILE
Indian Rock Python (Python molurus)
Python
IUCN STATUS
Near Threatened
CONSERVATION STATUS
Near Threatened
CLASS
Reptilia
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Across India: Western Ghats, Central India, Northeast
DIET
Carnivorous
HABITAT
Forests, grasslands, swamps
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Reptilia
ORDER
Squamata
FAMILY
Pythonidae
GENUS
Python
📋 Description
SIZE
3-6 meters long, up to 75 kg
COLORATION
Brown with dark diamond patterns, lighter underparts
ADAPTATIONS
Constricting muscles, heat-sensing pits
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Forests, grasslands, swamps
DIET
Carnivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Across India: Western Ghats, Central India, Northeast
REPRODUCTION
Lays 20-100 eggs, female coils around, incubates 60-80 days
DIET DETAILS
Mammals, birds, reptiles
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Habitat loss, poaching for skin
💡 Interesting Facts
1
Constricting Power: These 10-meter snakes crush 50 kg prey in Jim Corbett's forests with 10000 across India. Their 100 eggs per clutch ensure population stability.
2
Stealth Ambushers: Blending into Sundarbans' mangroves their 200 kg bodies strike deer in 0.1 seconds. Habitat loss threatens their 50000 sq km forest range.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand forested areas host python sightings
Bandipur National Park in Karnataka Western Ghats offer python sightings
Sundarbans National Park in West Bengal mangrove forests have python sightings
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
November-March. Dry season makes pythons more visible basking near water.
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Check riverbanks at dusk during safaris to spot pythons.
