The Boelen’s Python is a species of Python native to the mountains of New Guinea. They are a large species of snake reaching lengths of up to 10 feet.
Taxonomy
As its name suggests, the Boelen’s Python comes from the Python family of snakes. There are currently 42 recognised species of Python that are grouped into 10 different genera.
The Boelen’s Python belongs to the genus Simalia and its scientific name is Simalia boeleni. There are currently 7 species of snake in this genus.
The other snakes in the Simalia genus are considered the Boelen’s Pythons closest relatives. This includes species such as the Amethystine Python, Australian Scrub Python and the Moluccan Python.
Boelen’s Python Description
The Boelen’s Python is a large species of snake with adults averaging around 8ft in length. They are jet black in color with a yellow or cream belly.
The yellow or cream belly extends up the side of the snake to create a series of vertical stripes on the sides of the snake. The intensity of these stripes can vary greatly.
They have white markings around their mouths similar to the White Lipped Python while the black scales are iridescent, similar to the Brazilian Rainbow Boa.
A baby Boelen’s Python is burnt-red or orange in color with yellow or cream bands. This coloration will turn jet black as the snake matures.
Natural Habitat and Distribution
The Boelen’s Python is native to the island of New Guinea where it can be found in both Papua New Guinea and Western New Guinea (part of Indonesia).
They live in a part of the world that has a huge diversity of different reptile species. They share part of their geographic distribution with a wide range of other reptiles such as the Bismarck Ringed Python, Blue Tailed Monitor, Blue Tongue Skink, Amethystine Python, Crocodile Monitor, Emerald Tree Monitor, Mangrove Monitor, Mourning Gecko, Peach Throat Monitor, Pink Bellied Side Neck Turtle, Red Eyed Crocodile Skink and the Viper Boa.. However, some of these reptiles may have different habitat niches.
It can be found throughout the mountainous regions of the island. These mountains run through the centre of the island and span almost its entire width. The Boelen’s Python can also be found on Goodenough Island.
Feeding a Boelen’s Python
A Boelen’s Python is a ferocious feeder and will usually readily accept a meal. For this reason, it can be easy to overfeed your snake so be careful not to feed them too much or they may become obese.
In the wild, these snakes will eat a wide variety of prey items. They will readily eat rodents, bats, lizards, frogs and cuscus. A Cuscus is a marsupial native to New Guinea.
In captivity, a Boelen’s Python can be fed a diet of appropriately sized rodents. It is best to start feeding babies rats from birth as they are far more nutrient dense than mice.
A diet of one appropriately sized rodent every week is ideal for juveniles. You can continue this feeding schedule for adults or move them to one rodent every 10 days.
If you move to a 10-day feeding cycle don’t skimp on the meal. Make sure that the meal is large enough to sustain the snake. A large Boelen’s Python can be fed the occasional rabbit or quail to supplement their rodent diet if you wish.
Boelen’s Python Housing
As the Boelen’s Python is a large active snake, they are going to need a big enclosure. This is something you will need to consider before buying a juvenile snake.
A large adult snake will need an enclosure measuring at least 6ft x 2ft x 2ft. Juveniles should be kept in smaller enclosures and can be upgraded to larger setups as they grow.
Large enclosures are difficult to find so it is usually easier and cheaper to build your own or have someone build it for you. PVC is a better option than would as it doesn’t rot.
A bit of height is also important in a Boelen’s Python enclosure. These snakes like to climb so including a few branches or logs will good for the snake. You will also need to have a large bowl of fresh water.
Light and Heat
A juvenile Boelen’s Python can be kept at cooler temperatures than adults. You should aim for a basking spot of around 85F with the cool side of the tank dropping to around 70F.
Once the snake reaches 3-4 feet in length, you can provide them with more heat. They will enjoy a basking spot that reaches the high 90’s. However, it is very important that they have a thermal gradient to allow them to cool down.
You should aim for humidity levels of around 80%. This can usually be achieved by misting the enclosure daily. It is ok for the humidity to drop a bit throughout the day as long as it is brought back up again.
The Boelen’s Python is exposed to a 12-hour day/night cycle and this should be replicated in captivity. It is also recommended to provide them with UVB as they are exposed to high levels of it in their native range.
The effects of UVB on snakes are not as well-known as with certain species of lizards but as these snakes receive high levels of UVB in the wild, it is no harm to provide them with it in captivity.
Substrate
You have a number of options to choose from when it comes to substrate for your Boelen’s Python. You can choose an inexpensive substrate such as newspaper or paper towel go for a more aesthetic option.
The advantages of newspaper and paper towel are thay are cheap, clean, easy to replace and there is no risk of your snake ingesting some of the substrate.
If you want to go for a more naturalistic substrate, look for one that holds humidity well. Eco Earth or Coco Fibre are two good options here. However, it will take a lot of substrate to cover a large Boelen’s Python enclosure.
Handling a Boelen’s Python
The Boelen’s Python is generally considered to be an inquisitive animal and are often quite timid. Their temperament can vary greatly though from individual to individual.
You should take precautions when handling any large snake as a bite can cause a nasty wound. Long handling sessions are not recommended but removing them from their enclosure weekly is good practice to get them accustomed to you.