Indo-Chinese subregion (including Burma, Thailand, and Vietnam), Southern China, Hong Kong, Hainan, Borneo, Celebes, Java and Sumbawa. A recent imported strain of albino Burmese captive-bred in Europe is said to have originated from Vietnam

Important Facts:

All pythons and boas including the Burmese python are considered threatened by the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species. This means that species permits will be required for the import/export of these animals between countries. The related Indian python (Python molurus molarus) is considered endangered and listed as an animal. Burmese pythons are now protected in Thailand and consequently relatively few wild collected animals are being imported into Europe and the U.S.

Hatchling Burmese pythons measure between 18 inches (runts) and 29 inches. Breeders indicate an average length of 22 inches among captive-bred animals. The average weight of the hatchlings will be around 4oz (115g). Female Burmese pythons can grow to between 13 and 18 feet and there are records of animals over 19 feet but no authenticated records of animals over 20 feet. Males are typically smaller and their range from 8 to 14 feet though occasionally a male will grow to a length of 16-17 feet. For their size, Burmese pythons are among the heaviest of the giant snakes with 17-18 foot animals achieving weights of over 200 lbs.

Under captive conditions, Burmese pythons will grow to sexual maturity at an amazing rate. Growth rates achieved with females by herpetoculturists under optimal feeding conditions typically show the following growth pattern. By the end of 12 months, growth to a length of 6 to 9 1/2 feet. By 18 months, growth to between 9 1/2 to 10 1/2 feet.

Breeding is initiated soon after this time and the growth rate from there on slows down considerably. Breeders mention growth rates of 12 to 18 inches a year for the first 2-3 years following the 10 foot mark (and thus first breeding). Thereafter, the growth rate will continue to decline with the age though there are reports of older animals entering a period of accelerated growth following several years of typically reduced growth. There can be a wide range of variation in the growth and length of captive-raised specimens depending on the genetic background, feeding and breeding regimens