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Indian python
Indian python
Indian python
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Indian python
Near Nagarhole National Park
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Pythonidae
Genus: Python
Species:
P. molurus
Binomial name
Python molurus
Distribution of Indian python
Synonyms
  • Boa molura Linnaeus, 1758
  • Boa ordinata Schneider, 1801
  • Boa cinerae Schneider, 1801
  • Boa castanea Schneider, 1801
  • Boa albicans Schneider, 1801
  • Boa orbiculata Schneider, 1801
  • Coluber boaeformis Shaw, 1802
  • Python bora Daudin, 1803
  • Python tigris Daudin, 1803
  • Python ordinatus Daudin, 1803
  • Python javanicus Kuhl, 1820
  • Python jamesonii Gray, 1842
  • Python (Asterophis) tigris Fitzinger, 1843

The Indian python (Python molurus) is a large python species native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.[3] It is also known by the common names black-tailed python,[4] Indian rock python, and Asian rock python.[5][6] Although smaller than its close relative the Burmese python, it is still among the largest snakes in the world. It is generally lighter colored than the Burmese python and reaches usually 3 m (9 ft 10 in).[7] Like all pythons, it is nonvenomous.

Description

[edit]
Labial heat pits

The rock python's color pattern is whitish or yellowish with the blotched patterns varying from tan to dark brown shades. This varies with terrain and habitat. Specimens from the hill forests of Western Ghats and Assam are darker, while those from the Deccan Plateau and Eastern Ghats are usually lighter.[8] All pythons are non-venomous.

The nominate subspecies occurring in India typically grows to 3 m (9 ft 10 in).[7][8] This value is supported by a 1990 study in Keoladeo National Park, where 25% of the python population was 2.7–3.3 m (8 ft 10 in – 10 ft 10 in) long. Two individuals even measured nearly 3.6 m (11 ft 10 in).[9]

Because of confusion with the Burmese python, exaggerations, and stretched skins in the past, the maximum length of this subspecies is difficult to tell. The longest scientifically recorded specimen, collected in Pakistan, was 4.6 m (15 ft 1 in) long and weighed 52 kg (114 lb 10 oz). In Pakistan, Indian pythons commonly reach a length of 2.4–3.0 m (7 ft 10 in – 9 ft 10 in).[10]

The Indian python differs from the Burmese python (Python bivittatus) in the following ways:

  • the presence of light "eyes" in the centers of spots located on the sides of the trunk
  • reddish or pinkish color of light stripes on the sides of the head
  • a diamond-shaped spot on the head blurred in the front part
  • usually lighter in color, dominated by brown, reddish-brown, yellowish-brown and grayish-brown tones
  • usually prefers a drier, more arid environment, unlike P. bivittatus, which inhabits moist, meadow environments[11]

Distribution and habitat

[edit]
Bannerghatta National Park

The Indian python occurs in nearly all of the Indian Subcontinent south of the Himalayas, including southern Nepal and Bhutan, Sri Lanka, southeastern Pakistan, Bangladesh, and probably in northern Myanmar.[12] It lives in a wide range of habitats, including grasslands, swamps, marshes, rocky foothills, woodlands, open forest, and river valleys. It needs a reliable source of water.[13] It hides in abandoned mammal burrows, hollow trees, dense water reeds, and mangrove thickets.[8]

Behavior

[edit]
Swimming at Keoladeo National Park

Lethargic and slow moving even in their native habitat, they exhibit timidity and rarely try to attack even when attacked. Locomotion is usually with the body moving in a straight line, by "walking on its ribs". They are excellent swimmers and are quite at home in water. They can be wholly submerged in water for many minutes if necessary, but usually prefer to remain near the bank.

Feeding

[edit]
Swallowing a chital in Mudumalai National Park

Like all snakes, Indian pythons are strict carnivores and feed on mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians indiscriminately, but seem to prefer mammals.[14] Roused to activity on sighting prey, the snake advances with a quivering tail and lunges with an open mouth. Live prey is constricted and killed. One or two coils are used to hold it in a tight grip. The prey, unable to breathe, succumbs and is subsequently swallowed head first. After a heavy meal, they are disinclined to move. If forced to, hard parts of the meal may tear through the body. Therefore, if disturbed, some specimens disgorge their meal to escape from potential predators. After a heavy meal, an individual may fast for weeks, the longest recorded duration being 2 years. The python can swallow prey bigger than its diameter because its jaw bones are not connected. Moreover, prey cannot escape from its mouth because of the arrangement of the teeth (which are reverse saw-like).[citation needed]

In Keoladeo National Park, potential prey of Indian pythons include rhesus macaques, spotted deer, sambar deer, nilgai, Indian cattle (Bos indicus), wild boar, golden jackals, domestic dogs, striped hyenas, jungle cats, small Indian civets, mongoose (Herpestes spp.), black-napped hares (Lepus nigricollis), Indian porcupines, five-striped palm squirrels, field rats, birds, other snakes, Bengal monitors, garden lizards (Calotes versicolor), skinks (Eutropis spp.), geckos (Hemidactylus spp.), and Indian toads.[15]

Reproduction

[edit]
Eggs
A juvenile

Oviparous, up to 100 eggs are laid by a female, which she protects and incubates.[13] Towards this end, they are capable of raising their body temperature above the ambient level through muscular contractions.[16] The hatchlings are 45–60 cm (18–24 in) in length and grow quickly.[13] An artificial incubation method using climate-controlled environmental chambers was developed in India for successfully raising hatchlings from abandoned or unattended eggs.[17]

Conservation status

[edit]

The Indian python is classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List due to a likely population decline of ~30% over the decade 2010–2020, caused by habitat loss, over-exploitation, and lack of conservation actions.[1]

A genetic study published in 2017 showed that the Burmese pythons in Florida are hybrids with P. molurus.[18]

Taxonomy

[edit]

In the literature, one other subspecies is encountered: P. m. pimbura Deraniyagala, 1945, which is found in Sri Lanka.

The Burmese python (P. bivittatus) was referred to as a subspecies of the Indian python until 2009, when it was elevated to full species status.[19] The name Python molurus bivittatus is found in older literature.

In culture

[edit]

Kaa, a large and old Indian python, is featured as one of Mowgli's mentors in Rudyard Kipling's 1894 collection The Jungle Book.

References

[edit]

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Indian python

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Indian python (Python molurus), also known as the Indian rock python, is a large, non-venomous constrictor snake belonging to the family , characterized by its robust body, rectangular mosaic pattern of brown and tan blotches, and ability to grow up to 6.4 meters in length and weigh over 90 kilograms. Currently recognized as monotypic with no widely accepted (though some sources include P. m. peguensis), it is native to the —including countries such as India, Pakistan, , , , and —and thrives in diverse habitats ranging from tropical rainforests and river valleys to scrublands, grassy marshes, semi-arid grasslands, mangroves, and rocky foothills near permanent water sources. As a semi-arboreal and primarily terrestrial , the Indian python exhibits solitary behavior, excellent swimming and climbing abilities, and a diet consisting of small to medium-sized mammals (such as and monkeys), birds, reptiles, and occasionally amphibians, which it subdues through after detecting prey via heat-sensing pits and chemical cues. Females reach at 2–3 years and lay clutches of up to 100 eggs, which they incubate by coiling around them and using muscular contractions to maintain temperature for 2–3 months, with hatchlings measuring about 60–70 cm at birth. The species hibernates or aestivates during extreme seasonal conditions, showing unimodal activity in cooler months and bimodal patterns in warmer periods. Conservation efforts are critical for the Indian python, which is classified as Near Threatened by the due to ongoing population declines estimated at close to 30% over the past decade (as of 2019), driven by , poaching for skins and meat, human-wildlife conflicts near settlements, and incidental threats like road mortality and mining activities. The species is protected under Appendix I, prohibiting international trade, while the nominate form is listed as Endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act; in , it receives Schedule I protection under the Wildlife Protection Act, emphasizing the need for habitat restoration and anti-poaching measures in key reserves like the Mudumalai and Tiger Reserves. Despite these challenges, the snake's adaptability to varied ecosystems underscores its ecological role as an in maintaining .

Taxonomy

Classification and nomenclature

The Indian python is classified in the family Pythonidae, order Squamata, class Reptilia, phylum Chordata, and kingdom Animalia. Its binomial name is Python molurus (Linnaeus, 1758), with the type locality designated as "Indiis" (India) and the holotype preserved as NRM (NHRM) 5. Originally described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758 as Coluber molurus in Systema Naturae, the species was subsequently reassigned to the genus Python by François Marie Daudin in 1803, making it the type species of that genus based on illustrations from Patrick Russell's 1796 work. Historical synonyms include Boa ordinata Schneider 1801, Python bora Daudin 1803, Python tigris Daudin 1803, and Python jamesonii Gray 1842, among others documented in taxonomic revisions such as Kluge 1993. Key taxonomic revisions include the 2009 elevation of the Burmese python from subspecies status as Python molurus bivittatus Kuhl 1820 to a full species, Python bivittatus, by Jacobs et al., based on differences in genetics, morphology, and coloration that distinguish it from P. molurus. This separation resolved prior uncertainties in the Python molurus complex, emphasizing the Indian python's distinct evolutionary lineage. Recent genetic analyses, such as a 2018 study on invasive , detected cytonuclear discordance indicative of possible hybridization with P. molurus in non-native populations, likely from historical mixes. Despite this evidence of limited , P. molurus and P. bivittatus are upheld as distinct due to consistent morphological and in their native ranges.

Subspecies

The Indian python (Python molurus) is currently regarded as monotypic, with no formally recognized under prevailing taxonomic classifications such as those in The Reptile Database. This reflects a consolidation of historical variants into the nominate form, amid ongoing debates in herpetological literature. Historically, the species included two proposed : the nominate Python molurus molurus (Linnaeus, 1758), which inhabits the including Pakistan, India, , , and , and Python molurus pimbura Deraniyagala, 1945, endemic to . The latter was described based on specimens from and is now often treated as a of the nominate due to insufficient diagnostic distinctions, though some authorities maintain its validity as a inquirenda. The P. m. pimbura form is characterized by subtle morphological differences from the nominate, including lower subcaudal scale counts (typically 60–70 versus 70–85 in P. m. molurus) and more irregular, asymmetrical lateral blotch patterns along the body. These traits were originally noted in the type description but have not been consistently upheld in modern revisions, leading to its merged status in many databases. A third historical subspecies, Python molurus bivittatus Kuhl, 1820, was once included but was elevated to full species rank as Python bivittatus () in based on molecular and morphological evidence distinguishing it from the Indian python; it is now primarily distributed in , including , , and . The IUCN Red List assessment for P. molurus aligns with the monotypic view, encompassing populations across the and without subdividing into .

Physical description

Size and appearance

The Indian python (Python molurus) is a robust, heavy-bodied constrictor characterized by its muscular build and smooth dorsal scales arranged in a regular pattern. The head is distinctly triangular and slightly wider than the neck, with a prominent and heat-sensing labial pits located on the upper and lower lips, enabling detection of prey. These anatomical features support its role as an , with the body tapering to a relatively short . Adults typically attain an average length of 2.5–3 meters (8–10 ft), though exceptional specimens can exceed this substantially. The maximum recorded length for the nominate is 6.4 meters (21 ft), accompanied by weights reaching up to 91 kg (200 lb), establishing it as one of the larger python , albeit with some size overlap with the closely related (P. bivittatus). is pronounced, with females generally larger and heavier than males; this disparity aids in accommodating larger clutches during reproduction. In the wild, Indian pythons exhibit a lifespan of 20–30 years, influenced by factors such as predation, quality, and food availability, while individuals in can survive up to 34 years under optimal conditions.

Coloration and patterns

The Indian python, Python molurus, displays a characteristic coloration featuring a pale yellowish or creamy white base, accented by irregular tan to dark brown blotches bordered in black. These blotches form a mosaic-like along the dorsal surface, with rectangular or squarish shapes that provide a distinctive, disruptive appearance. On the head, a partial arrow-shaped marking is typically present, pointing forward, while the tail features blotches that often merge into narrow bands. Coloration exhibits notable variation across individuals and regions, influenced by local and conditions. In forested or densely vegetated areas, specimens tend to have darker, more subdued tan and brown tones for enhanced blending with shaded environments, whereas those in open grasslands or rocky appear lighter with more pronounced yellowish hues. Juveniles generally resemble adults in pattern but may show slightly more vivid contrasts in their blotches before colors mellow with age. This polymorphic patterning serves a primary adaptive function in , allowing the python to conceal itself effectively against rocky outcrops, leaf litter, or grassy substrates in its varied habitats across the and . The black outlines around blotches further disrupt the snake's outline, reducing visibility to prey and predators during or evasion.

Distribution and habitat

Geographic range

The Indian python (Python molurus) is native to the , occurring primarily in , , , , and . Within , it is distributed across diverse regions including the states of , , , , , , , , , , , and , often in proximity to water bodies and forested areas. In , populations are restricted to the northeastern regions near the valley, while in , it inhabits southern lowlands up to elevations of about 1,500 m. hosts subpopulations in the southeastern hill tracts and coastal areas, and in , it is found throughout the island, though records are sporadic in the central highlands. Historically, the species was more continuously distributed across much of its range, extending from the western Indus Valley to the eastern edges of the , but current distribution is fragmented due to habitat conversion and other pressures. It is notably absent from large portions of , where it was once present in forests and grasslands. Post-2009 taxonomic revisions separating the (Python bivittatus), the Indian python's range in has been excluded, with no confirmed occurrences in , , , , , and southern based on genetic and morphological distinctions. The extent of occurrence for P. molurus is estimated at approximately 3,758,561 km², reflecting its broad but patchy presence across the subcontinent. Population estimates are rough, but the species is assessed as Near Threatened by the IUCN, with an inferred decline of at least 30% over the past three generations (approximately 45 years) driven by ongoing fragmentation. Subpopulations in and show particular declines, with densities as low as 3 individuals per km² in surveyed areas of Pakistan's Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Introduced populations are not established outside the native range; however, occasional escapes from the pet trade have been reported in non-native areas such as the , where individuals have been sighted but failed to reproduce or persist.

Preferred habitats

The Indian python (Python molurus) inhabits a variety of tropical and subtropical environments, including subtropical and tropical dry forests, swamp forests, moist montane forests, dry grasslands, permanent rivers and , and freshwater marshes. These habitats provide the necessary cover and proximity to water sources essential for the snake's survival. Additionally, individuals are occasionally recorded in semi-evergreen forests, rocky hillsides, and ecosystems up to elevations of 2,000 meters above . Within these broader habitat types, Indian pythons exhibit a strong preference for microhabitats offering shelter and opportunities, such as wet rocky areas near or pools, large rotting logs, burrows, caves, crevices, and dense like bushes or reeds. They frequently utilize areas adjacent to water bodies, including swamps and riverine zones, where they can remain submerged for extended periods. Dry and green bushes are particularly favored for concealment during resting or hunting. The species demonstrates notable adaptations to its preferred environments, including semi-aquatic tendencies that enable expert swimming and submersion for up to 30 minutes, as well as proficient climbing abilities to access hollows or branches for refuge. These traits allow tolerance for diverse microhabitats, from arid scrub to humid wetlands, and even edges of human-modified landscapes like agricultural fields. Their mottled brown and yellow coloration aids in within grassy, forested, or rocky settings. Indian pythons require warm, humid climatic conditions typical of subtropical and tropical regions, avoiding extreme and high altitudes beyond their elevational limit. They thrive in damp terrains but enter brumation during cooler months ( to ) in sheltered sites to regulate body temperature.

Behavior and

Activity patterns and locomotion

The Indian rock python (Python molurus) exhibits primarily nocturnal and crepuscular activity patterns, particularly during warmer months to avoid excessive daytime heat, with peaks in movement observed between 1600–1800 hours and ingress/egress around dawn and . During cooler periods, such as winter in semi-arid regions, individuals shift toward more diurnal behaviors centered on basking, with activity peaking between 1200–1400 hours to thermoregulate by absorbing solar radiation. Overall activity levels decline seasonally in cooler months, potentially entering periods of reduced movement akin to brumation in response to lower temperatures, though migration is rare and adults tend to remain within established home ranges. Locomotion in the Indian rock python is adapted to its robust body form, favoring slower, deliberate movements over rapid undulation. On level ground, it employs rectilinear locomotion, a straight-line progression where ventral scales and underlying muscles propel the body forward in a caterpillar-like manner, suitable for its heavy build and energy-efficient traversal of open terrain. For navigating rough or irregular surfaces, including during climbing on rocks or trees, it utilizes concertina locomotion, anchoring portions of the body while extending others in an accordion-style fold to gain purchase and ascend lethargically. On loose substrates like , sidewinding may occur, lifting the body into lateral loops that contact the ground at discrete points to minimize slippage and facilitate progress across unstable environments. The species is also a proficient swimmer, using lateral undulations of the body and to propel through , often crossing rivers or foraging in aquatic margins. Sensory adaptations enhance the Indian rock python's effectiveness in low-light conditions aligned with its activity rhythms. It possesses labial pit organs on the upper and lower jaws that function as heat sensors, detecting from prey to enable precise targeting even in complete darkness. These pits integrate with visual input in the , compensating for the ' relatively poor eyesight, which is limited to motion detection and basic shape recognition. Additionally, the python relies on a keen sense of vibration, detected through its body scales and jawbones, to localize ground-borne disturbances from approaching prey or threats, augmenting its chemosensory capabilities via the and Jacobson's organ. Juveniles exhibit dispersal behaviors post-hatching, moving away from natal sites to establish independence, though specific distances vary; adults show limited mobility, with rare long-distance shifts tied to availability rather than seasonal migration.

Feeding habits

The Indian python (Python molurus) is an opportunistic , preying primarily on small to large mammals such as , monkeys, and deer, as well as birds, reptiles (including other snakes), and amphibians; it occasionally consumes aquatic prey like when hunting near water bodies. Juveniles target smaller items, including and small , to support rapid growth, while adults shift to larger vertebrates that can constitute a substantial portion of their diet. As an ambush predator, the Indian python relies on stealth to strike suddenly, using its sharp, backward-curving teeth to seize live prey before coiling its muscular body around the victim. It constricts with increasing pressure in response to the prey's heartbeat, ultimately causing cardiac arrest rather than simple suffocation, which allows for efficient subduing of struggling animals. The snake then swallows the prey whole, typically head-first to align limbs and facilitate passage, with prey size reaching up to approximately 50% of the python's body mass in adults. It employs heat-sensing pits along its upper lip to detect warm-blooded prey in low-light conditions, enhancing its nocturnal hunting success. Feeding occurs infrequently in the wild, every 2–4 weeks, reflecting the snake's low metabolic rate and ability to survive extended fasts. Digestion in the Indian python is a rapid but energy-intensive process, with powerful enzymes and acids breaking down the entire prey—including bones and —over 10–14 days, depending on meal size and environmental . Under stress, such as from handling or suboptimal temperatures, the snake may regurgitate undigested prey to reduce weight and escape threats more easily. This adaptive physiology allows the python to capitalize on sporadic large meals while minimizing risks.

Reproduction and life cycle

The Indian python (Python molurus) exhibits seasonal reproduction, with mating typically occurring in northern populations from to early April, coinciding with the end of the cooler . Males locate receptive females through pheromonal cues and engage in involving body entwining, tongue flicking, and stimulation with cloacal spurs; copulation durations range from 30 minutes to several hours. Male-male is common, manifesting as ritualized where rivals coil around each other, attempting to overpower and pin the opponent to establish dominance and access to females. Pythons are promiscuous, with individuals participating in multiple matings per season, as observed in both wild and captive settings. Following , gravid females seek out humid, sheltered sites such as burrows, rock crevices, or hollow logs to deposit their approximately 3-4 months later, often in April or May in northern . Clutch sizes vary with female body size, ranging from 8 to 100 eggs, though wild reports commonly document 20-50 eggs per . The female coils protectively around the eggs in a tight , employing shivering thermogenesis—rapid muscular contractions—to maintain an optimal incubation temperature of about 31-33°C, rarely leaving the nest except to adjust position. This maternal brooding lasts 60-74 days, during which the female abstains from feeding and may lose up to 50% of her body . Hatchlings emerge synchronously, measuring 45–65 cm in length and weighing around 100-200 g, fully formed with precocial traits including functional fangs and hunting instincts; they are independent immediately upon emergence and disperse from the nest. is attained at 2–3 years of age, depending on growth conditions and reaching a minimum snout-vent of approximately 180–220 cm, with females requiring slightly larger sizes than males. Juvenile growth is rapid in the first few years, with individuals potentially doubling in annually under favorable conditions, though overall lifespan in the wild averages 20-30 years. High juvenile mortality, often exceeding 80% in the first year, results primarily from predation by , mammals, and other .

Conservation

Status and threats

The Indian python (Python molurus) is classified as Near Threatened on the due to ongoing population declines driven by habitat loss and exploitation. The assessment, conducted in 2019 and published in 2021, estimates a decline of at least 30% over the last three generations (approximately 40 years), primarily from over-exploitation and habitat degradation. Global population size remains unknown, though it is inferred to be decreasing across the species' range, with fragmented subpopulations in protected areas showing varying densities. Primary anthropogenic threats include and loss from and , which restrict the python's access to suitable rocky and forested habitats. for skins, meat, and use in persists despite legal protections, fueling illegal trade networks. Human-python conflicts arise frequently from livestock predation, leading to retaliatory killings, while poses an increasing risk as linear encroaches on habitats. A 2023 radio-telemetry study in the and Mudumalai Tiger Reserves of southern tracked 14 adult pythons, revealing mean home ranges of 3.7–4.2 km² (95% : 1.7–8.5 km²), with individual ranges varying from 1.4 to 8.1 km² for residents and up to 21.7 km² for translocated individuals. These findings highlight the ' vulnerability to linear like roads and railways, as pythons often traverse human-modified landscapes, exacerbating mortality from vehicle collisions and conflicts. Natural threats primarily affect juveniles, which face predation from birds such as eagles and mammals including mongooses and wild boars. Diseases, including bacterial infections like septicaemia and viral conditions such as , also contribute to mortality, particularly in stressed or captive populations, though wild impacts are less documented. Parasitic infestations, such as ticks and mites leading to dysecdysis, further weaken juveniles in degraded habitats.

Protection and efforts

The Indian rock python (Python molurus) receives stringent legal protection in India under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which prohibits hunting, trade, and possession of the species to safeguard it from exploitation. Internationally, the nominate subspecies (P. m. molurus) has been listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) since July 1, 1975, while the Burmese subspecies (P. m. bivittatus) is listed in Appendix II, with the former prohibiting international commercial trade in wild specimens across signatory countries. Conservation efforts emphasize habitat preservation within protected areas, such as Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh, where the python plays a key role in the ecosystem as a non-venomous constrictor preying on local mammals and birds. Similarly, the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu serves as a critical refuge, particularly in the Moyar Valley region, where the species has shown signs of population stability amid surrounding tiger reserves. To mitigate human-python conflicts, initiatives include community education programs that promote awareness of the species' ecological benefits and safe coexistence practices, reducing retaliatory killings in rural areas. Captive breeding programs in facilities like Chennai Snake Park have successfully produced offspring for reintroduction into protected habitats such as Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, supporting population recovery without relying solely on wild captures. Ongoing research since 2020 has advanced understanding of the python's through methods like radio-telemetry, with a 2023 study tracking 14 individuals in and Mudumalai Tiger Reserves to map home ranges and movement patterns across forests, villages, and agricultural lands. This work highlights the species' adaptability but underscores the need for targeted monitoring; camera traps are increasingly deployed in Indian reserves to non-invasively document python occurrences and behaviors, aiding long-term assessments. Despite these measures, challenges persist, including enforcement gaps in rural regions where illegal activities undermine protections against and loss. Additionally, the fragmentation of necessitates the development of wildlife corridors to facilitate safe movement and genetic exchange among python populations.

Cultural significance

In mythology and folklore

In , the Indian python (Python molurus), known as ajagara in , is associated with the Nagas, a class of semi-divine serpent beings revered as guardians of treasures, water sources, and the . These serpents symbolize fertility, protection, and the cyclical nature of life and death, often depicted as multi-headed entities like , the cosmic serpent supporting the . The python's large, non-venomous form embodies the benevolent aspects of Naga lore, contrasting with more fearsome venomous snakes, and appears in ancient texts as a symbol of primal power and earth-bound divinity. The features a prominent reference to the Indian python in the Ajagara Parva (Chapter of the Python), where King , cursed by Sage Agastya for his arrogance, is transformed into a massive ajagara that coils around the during their exile. frees the python—revealed as —by answering its philosophical questions on , , and human conduct, after which the serpent sheds its form and ascends to heaven. This episode underscores the python's role as a teacher and guardian spirit, embodying cursed royalty and moral wisdom in epic narratives. Among indigenous tribes of the , such as the Bhils and Garasias in , the Indian python holds protective significance in , often viewed as a rain-bringer and ancestral spirit. These communities conserve the , believing its presence near water sources ensures rainfall and prosperity, while stories depict it as a reincarnated elder or guardian of hidden treasures and family lineages. A notable example is the "Ajgar Baba" myth in temples, where pythons are revered as the souls of deceased priests, slithering as eternal protectors of sacred sites. Taboos against harming the Indian python are widespread in these traditions, particularly in , where killing it is thought to provoke drought and calamity, reinforcing its sacred status. In Sri Lankan , influenced by Naga worship integrated into Sinhalese culture since ancient times, pythons and serpents symbolize rain, , and healing, with rituals invoking them to avert famines or cure ailments through offerings at anthills and water bodies. These beliefs trace to pre-Buddhist Naga cults, where serpents guard natural abundance and ancestral .

In modern media

The Indian python has been prominently featured in modern through its depiction as , a wise and formidable rock python in Rudyard Kipling's (1894), though the character's influence extends through 20th- and 21st-century adaptations that emphasize its hypnotic and constricting traits. In these portrayals, serves as a mentor to the protagonist in the original stories, showcasing the snake's intelligence and physical prowess, which has inspired educational narratives in wildlife and documentaries highlighting real python behaviors. In film and television, the Indian python gained widespread recognition via Disney's animated (1967), where Kaa is reimagined as a sly voiced by , using hypnosis to pursue , and further in the 2016 live-action remake directed by , with providing the voice for a seductive, larger-than-life version of the character. Indian cinema has also incorporated serpentine figures into supernatural thrillers, such as Nagin (1976), a Bollywood classic starring as a shape-shifting serpent woman seeking revenge, blending with dramatic visuals. Beyond traditional media, educational content has further amplified its visibility through specials, such as episodes of Snakes in the City (Season 9, 2023) featuring rescues of the species in urban , and viral clips like "Indian Python vs. " (2016, with ongoing reruns), which demonstrate its predatory prowess to promote conservation awareness. In recent years, post-2020 portrayals have shifted toward eco-conscious narratives, with the Indian python appearing in campaigns and news-driven awareness efforts, such as viral rescue videos from and Bengaluru shared on platforms like , highlighting human-wildlife coexistence amid . These digital stories, often tied to conservation NGOs, portray the snake as a resilient symbol in eco-thrillers and documentaries addressing loss, fostering public empathy without .

References

  1. https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Python_molurus/
  2. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-36974-9
  3. https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=python&species=molurus
  4. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/193368/1934665
  5. https://explorer.natureserve.org/Taxon/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.785417/Python_molurus
  6. http://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/Python/molurus
  7. https://www.oriannesociety.org/priority-species/burmese-python/
  8. http://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/Python/bivittatus
  9. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6157680/
  10. https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Python&species=molurus
  11. https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2433/
  12. https://www.gbif.org/species/9477896
  13. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-2.RLTS.T58894358A1945283.en
  14. https://genomics.senescence.info/species/entry.php?species=Python_molurus
  15. https://a-z-animals.com/animals/indian-python/
  16. https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species/Python/molurus
  17. https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/pdf/10.5555/20193109745
  18. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/pdf/1945283
  19. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/58894358/1945283
  20. https://www.academia.edu/4422988/Status_and_Conservation_of_Indian_Rock_Python_Python_molurus_molurus_in_Deva_Vatala_National_Park_Azad_Jammu_and_Kashmir_Pakistan
  21. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11301147/
  22. https://indianecologicalsociety.com/wp-content/themes/ecology/volume_pdfs/1696908370.pdf
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