Have you ever wondered what it would be like to meet a snake that combines the elegance of a sleek predator with the strength of a mighty giant?
Meet the Olive Python (Liasis olivaceus), a stunning snake that commands attention with its impressive size and distinctive colouration. What makes this snake so captivating?
How does it thrive in its natural habitat and what are its unique traits? This article dives into everything you need to know about Olive Python, from its history to its care requirements.
History, Taxonomy & Genetics
The Australian Olive Python is a fascinating python family member known for its impressive size and distinctive appearance. Let’s discuss its background:
Olive Python Habitat: Native to Australia, particularly the northern regions, they are well-adapted to the diverse environments ranging from tropical forests to savannahs.
Taxonomy:
They share their genus, Liasis, with other pythons like the Water Python (Liasis fuscus). This genus is known for its large, non-venomous pythons.
Genetically, the Olive Python is close to other big pythons but stands out due to its unique colouration and habitat preferences.
Olive Python Characteristics
Olive Python Appearance
Body Colour: They get their name from their distinctive olive-green to brown body colour. The primary colour of the Olive Python is smooth, olive-green to dark brown, which provides excellent camouflage in its natural environment.
Scales: Under sunlight, its scales have a beautiful, almost metallic sheen that can reflect a subtle rainbow-like iridescence.
Belly Colour: The belly of the Olive Python is usually a lighter, creamy white or pale yellow.
Olive Python Eye Color: Their eyes are a striking shade of gold or yellow, giving them a distinctive and somewhat regal appearance.
Tail and Head Shape: Its head is broad and well-defined, smoothly tapering into the neck. The tail is strong and muscular, aiding in balance and movement.
Olive Python Size & Weight
They can grow up to 10-13 feet (3-4 meters) in length and weigh around 8-15 kilograms. This makes them one of the larger pythons, suitable for experienced snake keepers.
Speed: While not the fastest snakes, they are capable of quick, deliberate movements, especially when hunting or climbing.
Temperature & Behaviour
These pythons thrive in warm environments. The ideal temperature range for them is 80-85°F (27-29°C) during the day, with a cooler drop at night.
They are generally solitary and can be shy around humans. They are mostly terrestrial but are known to climb trees or rocks when necessary.
They tend to be more active during the cooler parts of the day and are excellent hunters.
Olive Python Lifespan
These Pythons can live a long life, especially with proper care. In the wild, they usually live around 20 to 30 years.
However, in captivity, where they receive regular food and proper care, they can live up to 35 years or more. Their lifespan depends on factors like diet, environment, and overall health.
Olive Python Cost
When it comes to purchasing Olive Pythons, prices vary depending on their age, size, and genetics. Here’s a breakdown of the typical costs:
Olive Python Breeding & Reproduction
Olive Pythons reach sexual maturity around 3-4 years of age. Breeding usually occurs during the cooler months, with females laying a clutch of 10-30 eggs.
In wild, they lay their eggs in cozy, hidden places like burrows, rotting logs, or caves. The female coils around the eggs to keep them warm and protected.
In captivity, they lay their eggs in specially designed nesting boxes. These boxes provide a safe and comfortable environment, mimicking their natural habitat.
Incubation lasts about 60-70 days, after which the hatchlings emerge ready to fend for themselves.
Olive Python Sub-Species
1. Northern Olive Python (Liasis olivaceus barroni): Found mainly in the northern regions of Australia, including the Northern Territory and Western Australia.
Characteristics: This subspecies tends to be slightly smaller than the nominate species, with a more defined colouration, often appearing lighter in shade.
2. Pilbara Olive Python (Liasis olivaceus olivaceus): Primarily found in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.
Characteristics: Known for its larger size, the Pilbara Olive Python has a more robust build and a slightly darker olive colour.
Olive Python Care Sheet
Enclosure Requirements
These Pythons grow quite large, so they need a spacious enclosure. For hatchling and juvenile olive pythons, a tank of 3-4 feet long is sufficient.
However, adults require a much larger enclosure, ideally at least 6-8 feet long to give them room to move around.
Material: Glass or PVC enclosures work well, as they are easy to clean and maintain humidity levels.
Climbing Structures
They love hiding spots, so include at least two hides—one on the warm side and one on the cooler side.
Climbing Areas: Although not arboreal, Olive Pythons appreciate some branches or sturdy logs to climb on. Provide these to encourage natural behaviours.
Substrate: Use a substrate like cypress mulch, aspen shavings, or paper towels. It should hold moisture without becoming soggy.
Temperature & Heating
Create a basking spot where temperatures reach 90-95°F (32-35°C). The rest of the enclosure should be maintained at around 80-85°F (27-29°C) during the day.
Night Temps: Nighttime temperatures can drop slightly to around 75-80°F (24-27°C), but avoid letting it get too cold.
Use ceramic heat emitters or under-tank heaters to maintain these temperatures, and always use a thermostat to prevent overheating.
Lighting
They do not need UV lighting, but providing a regular day/night cycle with standard lights will help them regulate their behaviour.
You can place the enclosure where it gets indirect sunlight, but never place it in direct sunlight, as it can overheat the enclosure.
Humidity
Maintain the enclosure humidity between 50-60%. They are come from environments that are relatively humid, so misting the enclosure lightly a few times a week should be enough.
Water Dish: A large water dish not only helps with humidity but also allows your python to soak when needed. Make sure it’s big enough for the snake to fit inside.
Olive Python Diet
They eat a diet of rodents, like mice and rats, as well as small rabbits or quail as they grow larger.
Feeding Frequency:
Make sure to offer appropriately sized prey (about as wide as the thickest part of your snake’s body). Always feed frozen-thawed prey to avoid injury from live animals.
Handling
They are calm, once they get used to handling, but they can be a bit nervous or defensive when young. Start with short, gentle handling sessions to build trust.
Limit handling to 10-15 minutes per session, and avoid handling right after feeding to prevent regurgitation.
Shedding
Young Olive Pythons shed more frequently than adults, but on average, they will shed every 4-6 weeks.
Shedding Issues: If humidity is too low, they may have trouble shedding properly. Increase humidity levels or offer a humidity box to help with stuck sheds.
Health & Common Issues
Conclusion
The Olive Python is a majestic and robust snake, offering a unique experience for those ready to meet its care needs. With its striking appearance and impressive size, it is sure to be a fascinating addition to any reptile collection. By understanding its habitat requirements, behavior, and health needs, you can ensure a happy and healthy life for your Python.
