Timor python

The Timor python (Malayopython timoriensis) is a python species found in Southeast Asia. A dwarf species, no subspecies are recognized as being valid.^[3] Like all pythons, it is a nonvenomous constrictor; unlike larger species such as the reticulated python, it is not considered dangerous to humans.

Timor python
Malayopython timoriensis in a zoo
Conservation status
Vulnerable  (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Serpentes
Family:	Pythonidae
Genus:	Malayopython
Species:	M. timoriensis
Binomial name
Malayopython timoriensis (W. Peters, 1876)
Synonyms
Liasis amethystinus var. timoriensis W. Peters, 1876 Liasis Petersii Hubrecht, 1879 Python timorensis — Boulenger, 1893 Python timoriensis — F. Werner, 1899 Python timoriensis — Stimson, 1969 Australiasis timoriensis — Wells & Wellington, 1984 Morelia timoriensis — Welch, 1988 P [ython]. timoriensis — Kluge, 1993[1] Broghammerus timoriensis — Rawlings et al., 2008[2]

Description

The Timor python is a fairly long, over 7 ft (2.1 m), but relatively thin python. It has a series of heat-sensing pits between its nostrils and mouth used to find warm-blooded prey in total darkness. It is cold-blooded.^[4]

Geographic range

M. timoriensis is found in Southeast Asia on the Lesser Sunda Islands (Flores, Lombien and Timor islands), its type locality is given as "Kupang, (Timor)" [Indonesia].^[1] This may not accurately reflect the location where the specimen was collected.^[5]

Behavior

M. timoriensis is partly arboreal.^[6]

Feeding

Captive specimens of M. timoriensis have been known to accept birds and small mammals.^[4]

Reproduction

M. timoriensis is oviparous.^[6]

Taxonomy

Liasis amethystinus var. timoriensis was the scientific name proposed by Wilhelm Peters in 1876.^[7]

Authors of a phylogenetic study suggested that the Timor python together with the reticulated python should be moved to a distinct genus Broghammerus.^[2] Subsequent phylogenetic analyses have supported the separation of the Timor and reticulated pythons from genus Python. However, Broghammerus is considered an invalid name by most authorities, which made R. Graham Reynolds et al. formally rename this clade Malayopython in 2014, a decision that was followed by many authors.^{[8][9][10][11]}