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Reproduction in a little‐known New Guinea Python, Liasis papuanus (Peters and Doria)
Author(s) -
Tryon Bern W.,
Whitehead Jon
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
zoo biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.5
H-Index - 54
eISSN - 1098-2361
pISSN - 0733-3188
DOI - 10.1002/zoo.1430070408
Subject(s) - hatchling , biology , new guinea , python (programming language) , zoology , reproduction , animal husbandry , captivity , reproductive biology , ecology , fishery , agriculture , ethnology , hatching , history , computer science , operating system , embryo , embryogenesis
The Papuan python Liasis papuanus , a large (exceeding 5 m) boid species inhabiting Papua New Guinea and Irian Iaya, is currently known from fewer than 20 museum specimens and is seldom seen in living zoological collections. Of an estimated 10 to 15 living specimens imported into the United States during the last two decades, seven have been housed at the Knoxville Zoological Park. In 1984–85, one pair bred successfully, resulting in the first known captive breeding of this species. We describe the husbandry of adults and hatchlings and reproductive behavior in the adult pair, as well as brooding behavior of the female that resulted in a significant increase in coil temperatures. Data on eggs and on the growth of ten hatchlings over a 2.5‐year period are given.