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Simalia boeleni is a species of python, a nonvenomous snake in the family Pythonidae. The species is endemic to the mountains of New Guinea.[1][4] No subspecies are recognized.[3][5] Its common names include Boelen's python[1][4] and the black python.[1][3]
| Simalia boeleni | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Pythonidae |
| Genus: | Simalia |
| Species: | S. boeleni
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| Binomial name | |
| Simalia boeleni (Brongersma, 1953)
| |
| Synonyms | |
Etymology
editThe specific name, boeleni, is in honor of K.W.J. Boelen, M.D., who collected the holotype specimen.[6][7]
Description
editIn 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).[8]
Conservation status
editThe 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.[9]
Common names
editLocally, 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.[citation needed]
Geographic range
editS. 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).[citation needed]
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].[2]
Habitat
editS. boeleni inhabits forested montane regions at elevations of 1,000–2,000 m (3,300–6,600 ft).[1] It is generally encountered on the forest floor, but is also reckoned to be an able climber.[citation needed]
Diet
editThe diet of S. boeleni consists of small mammals, ground-nesting birds,[1] and lizards.[citation needed]
Captivity
editS. boeleni is considered to be highly desirable by private keepers due to its beauty, but is also exceptionally rare in collections.[10] Although captive-born snakes are fairly hardy in captivity,[11] wild-caught individuals are considerably more difficult to keep successfully.[12] Captive breeding is exceedingly rare, and the conditions necessary are still unclear.[13] Many specific strategies have been employed to attempt to get these rare snakes to breed.[14]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f Tallowin, O.; O'Shea, M.; Parker, F. (2018). "Simalia boeleni". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018: e.T42494046A42494055. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T42494046A42494055.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
- ^ a b McDiarmid RW, Campbell JA, Touré TA (1999). Snake Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference, Volume 1. Washington, District of Columbia: Herpetologists' League. 511 pp. ISBN 1-893777-00-6 (series). ISBN 1-893777-01-4 (volume).
- ^ a b c Simalia boeleni at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 20 October 2015.
- ^ a b Mehrtens JM (1987). Living Snakes of the World in Color. New York: Sterling Publishers. 480 pp. ISBN 0-8069-6460-X.
- ^ "Morelia boeleni ". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 20 October 2015.
- ^ Brongersma, 1953. p. 317.
- ^ Beolens B, Watkins M, Grayson M (2011). The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5. (Morelia boeleni, p. 29).
- ^ "Description of Natural History and Geography By Marc A. Spataro". www.boelenspythons.com. Archived from the original on 24 June 2015. Retrieved 29 August 2016.
- ^ Spataro, Marc. "Natural History". Boelens Python Group. Archived from the original on 23 February 2019. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
- ^ "The Boelen's Python Group WELCOME". www.boelenspythons.com. Archived from the original on 8 July 2011. Retrieved 3 March 2011.
- ^ "HATCHLINGS/SUB-ADULTS By Marc A. Spataro". www.boelenspythons.com. Archived from the original on 8 July 2011. Retrieved 3 March 2011.
- ^ "ACCLIMATING WILD-CAUGHTS By Marc A. Spataro". www.boelenspythons.com. Archived from the original on 8 July 2011. Retrieved 3 March 2011.
- ^ "Morelia boeleni Captive Reproduction By Marc A. Spataro". www.boelenspythons.com. Archived from the original on 8 July 2011. Retrieved 3 March 2011.
- ^ Spataro, Marc. "Reproductive Strategies". Boelen's Python Group. Archived from the original on 23 February 2019. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
Further reading
edit- Flagle, Ari R.; Stoops, Erik D. (2009). Black python: Morelia boeleni. (Contributions to Natural History, Vol. 26). Frankfurt: Chimaira Buchhandelsgesellschaft mbh. 160 pp. ISBN 9783930612864.
- 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
edit
- Boelen's python site & forums.
- Boelen's Python Site by Ari R. Flagle.