Simalia boeleni

Simalia boeleni
File:Boelen Python 01.jpg
Conservation status
Least Concern Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Serpentes
Family:	Pythonidae
Genus:	Simalia
Species:	S. boeleni
Binomial name
Simalia boeleni (Brongersma, 1953)
Synonyms
Liasis boeleni Brongersma, 1953 Liasis taronga Worrell, 1958 Liasis boeleni — Stimson, 1969 Python boeleni — McDowell, 1975 Morelia boeleni — Underwood & Stimson, 1990 Simalia boeleni — Reynolds et al., 2014

Simalia boeleni is a species of python, a nonvenomous snake in the family Pythonidae. The species is endemic to the mountains of New Guinea. No subspecies are recognized. Its common names include Boelen's python and the black python.

File:Boelen's.jpg

Two coiled-up Boelen's pythons in captivity at the San Diego Zoo

Etymology

The specific name, boeleni, is in honor of K.W.J. Boelen, M.D., who collected the holotype specimen.

Description

In S. boeleni adults, the upperside color pattern is dark bluish-black or purplish-black, and the anterior part of the underside is white to pale yellow. The white extends up the flanks as a series of streaks. The upper and lower lips are also patterned with pale or whitish labial scales. The black portions are commonly iridescent with an oil-slick-like sheen. The body is stocky and the head large. Neonates are predominantly red upon emerging from the egg. Gradual black pigmentation presents itself as the neonate grows and sheds. Ontogenetic color change begins as the juvenile snake approaches 1 m (39 in) in length, usually around 2 years of age. Adults may be up to 3 m (9.8 ft) in total length (including tail).

Conservation status

The unmistakable and famed Boelen's python receives the highest legal protection possible in Papua New Guinea. It is currently listed on CITES Appendix II. It is difficult to truly assess the conservation status of these snakes, as they are incredibly secretive and difficult to find in the wild.

Common names

Locally, S. boeleni is also known as the blu moran or papa graun. Within Indonesia, it has several names depending on which language is used. The common Indonesian names of this snake are sanca hitam, sanca bulan, piton hitam, and ular buleni.

Geographic range

S. boeleni is found in Indonesia (Western New Guinea in the Paniai Lakes region) and Papua New Guinea (the provinces of Eastern Highlands, Central and Morobe, and Goodenough Island).

The type locality given is "Dimija (3[°] 56' S, 136[°] 18' E), Wissel Lakes, Dutch New Guinea, about 1750 m (5700 feet) above sea-level" [Western New Guinea, Indonesia].

Habitat

S. boeleni inhabits forested montane regions at elevations of 1,000–2,000 m (3,300–6,600 ft). It is generally encountered on the forest floor, but is also reckoned to be an able climber.

Diet

The diet of S. boeleni consists of small mammals, ground-nesting birds, and lizards.

Captivity

S. boeleni is considered to be highly desirable by private keepers due to its beauty, but is also exceptionally rare in collections. Although captive-born snakes are fairly hardy in captivity, wild-caught individuals are considerably more difficult to keep successfully. Captive breeding is exceedingly rare, and the conditions necessary are still unclear. Many specific strategies have been employed to attempt to get these rare snakes to breed.

File:Boelen's Python egg.jpg

Boelen's Python egg at the San Diego Zoo

Further reading

• Flagle, Ari R.; Stoops, Erik D. (2009). Black python: Morelia boeleni. (Contributions to Natural History, Vol. 26). Frankfurt: Chimaira Buchhandelsgesellschaft mbh. 160 pp. .
• Brongersma LD (1953). "Zoology Notes on New Guinean Reptiles and Amphibians II". Proc. Koninklijke Nederlandse Akademie van Wetenschappen, Amsterdam (Series C) 56: 317–325. (Liasis boeleni , new species, p. 317.)

External links

• Boelen's python site & forums.
• Boelen's Python Site by Ari R. Flagle.