Savu python

Liasis savuensis

The Savu python is one of the smaller species of python. It is non-venomous and kills its prey by constriction. Its bright white eyes, which only develop in adulthood, are particularly striking.

Red List

Endangered

The Savu python is found exclusively on the Indonesian island of Savu. Very little is known about the biology of this species.

Their completely white eyes are unique amongst pythons. Young Savu pythons are bright orange and, as they grow, undergo an astonishing colour change to a variegated brown. The females are often darker than the males.

In terms of its behaviour, it is a very calm species of snake, even in the wild. When it is frightened, it often stiffens up rather than bite.

Measuring up to just 1.2 metres in length, the Savu python is a relatively small member of the python family. Despite its small size, it possesses astonishing strength. It is not venomous.

It faces particular threats to its population from hunting for the illegal wildlife trade.

Taxonomy

Pythonidae, Liasis (around 5 species)

Habitat

savannahs, forests, wetlands, scrubland and shrubby areas on rocky terrain, agricultural land such as palm plantations and rice fields, including within settlements and towns

Social structure

solitary

Diet

small mammals, reptiles, birds