Green Tree Python

The green tree python is one of Australia’s most striking snakes, renowned for its emerald-green scales, sometimes marked with flecks of white, yellow, or blue. Native to the rainforests of northern Queensland, New Guinea, and eastern Indonesia, this species is highly adapted to life in the trees. It spends much of its time coiled along branches, blending seamlessly into the foliage while waiting to ambush prey.

Green tree pythons are non-venomous constrictors, feeding mainly on small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Juveniles hatch in bright yellow or red colours before gradually developing their trademark green as they mature. Adults typically grow to around 5 feet (1.5 metres) in length. In the wild, their average lifespan is thought to be about 15 years, though they can live up to 20 years under human care.

Habitat 

Green tree pythons are found in New Guinea, eastern Indonesia, and Australia’s northeast Cape York Peninsula. They thrive in tropical rainforests with dense vegetation and high humidity but can also be found in secondary forests and even gardens. While they spend most of their lives in the trees, they occasionally descend to the ground, particularly during the night.

Diet 

Green tree pythons feed primarily on small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Juveniles are active during the day and hunt smaller prey, while adults become nocturnal, targeting larger animals that are most active at night.

They rely on excellent vision and heat-sensing pits along their jaws to detect prey and may even use a form of “tail luring,” wiggling the tip of their tail to attract curious animals. Once close enough, the python strikes with lightning speed.

Breeding

Green tree pythons reach sexual maturity at around 2 years old and usually begin mating from late dry season into the early wet season (around September–December), when rainfall and humidity increase. Eggs are typically laid between November and January, with hatching timed to coincide with warmer, food-abundant months.