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Borneo python
Conservation status
	; Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Serpentes
Family:	Pythonidae
Genus:	Python
Species:	P. breitensteini
Binomial name
	Python breitensteini; Steindachner, 1880
Synonyms
	Python breitensteini Steindachner, 1880; Python curtus breitensteini ; — Stull, 1935; Python curtus breitensteini ; — Stimson, 1969; Python breitensteini ; Keogh, Barker & Shine, 2001;

The Borneo python (Python breitensteini), also known commonly as the Borneo short-tailed python, is a species of non-venomous snake in the family Pythonidae. The species is endemic to the island of Borneo.^[1]^[2]

Taxonomy

For a while considered a subspecies of Python curtus, P. breitensteini was re-elevated to a full species by Keogh, Barker and Shine (2001).^[3] The specific name, breitensteini, is in honor of Heinrich Breitenstein, a German physician and naturalist who collected amphibians and reptiles in Borneo.^[4]

Description

Adults of P. breitensteini have been reported to attain a total length (including tail) of 2.1 m (7 ft), although they are usually no more than 1.2 m (4 ft). Heavy-bodied, they can weigh as much as 13.6 kg (30 lb). Females are generally larger than males. The head is broad with several thermoreceptive pits along the nose. The tail is short and tapering.^{[citation needed]}

The color pattern is usually tan with brown blotching, which varies greatly. Though no instances of albinism have been reported, a few individuals display a significantly lighter color, appearing more yellow than brown. Juveniles have a more contrasting pattern than adults. The head is usually yellow.^{[citation needed]}

Distribution and habitat

On the island of Borneo, P. breitensteini is found in Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia.^[1]^[2] Typically, it is found at lower elevations, on poorly drained flood plains, or on the edges of swampy areas; man-made irrigation of farmland has also provided appropriate habitat.^{[citation needed]}

Reproduction

P. breitensteini is oviparous.^[3]

Captivity

While the Borneo python generally has a reputation for being mean-tempered, this species is increasing in popularity among reptile enthusiasts because captive-bred specimens are recognized as easier to handle than wild-caught snakes. Almost all of the early imported animals were animals originally caught for the skin trade.^{[citation needed]}

References

^ ^a ^b ^c Inger, R.F.; Iskandar, D.; Lilley, R.; Jenkins, H.; Das, I. (2012). "Python breitensteini". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2012: e.T192013A2028005. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T192013A2028005.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
^ ^a ^b ^c McDiarmid RW, Campbell JA, Touré T [in French] (1999). Snake Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference. Volume 1. Washington, District of Columbia: Herpetologists' League. ISBN 1893777014.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
^ ^a ^b ^c Python breitensteini at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 29 December 2015.
^ Beolens B, Watkins M, Grayson M (2011). The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5. (Python breitensteini, p. 38).