Manokwari Green Tree Python
Morelia viridis
A locality form of the green tree python from the Manokwari area on the northern coast of the Bird's Head Peninsula.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 1.2-1.8 m (4-6 ft)
- Range
- Manokwari region, Bird's Head Peninsula, West Papua, Indonesia
Found a snake like this?
Identify any snake from a photo, free.
Overview
The Manokwari green tree python is a geographic population of Morelia viridis found around the coastal city of Manokwari on the northern side of New Guinea's Bird's Head Peninsula. It is one of several named localities from this biologically rich peninsula.
It shares the full species biology of the green tree python complex, including hatching in bright juvenile colors and transitioning to green with maturity, with subtle regional pattern differences distinguishing it from neighboring localities.
How to identify it
- Green adult body, often with scattered pale yellow or blue flecking
- Variable, sometimes broken white vertebral stripe
- Large, triangular head with heat-sensing labial pits
- Vertical pupils
- Laterally compressed body with a strongly prehensile tail
- Juveniles are yellow or red before changing color
Habitat & range
Found in lowland tropical rainforest around Manokwari on the northern Bird's Head Peninsula, occupying arboreal microhabitats in forest understory, edges, and secondary growth near the coast.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and largely sedentary by day, coiling on a branch in the species' typical saddle posture. Active at night hunting small mammals, birds, and lizards by ambush and constriction. Oviparous, with females brooding eggs through coiling.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Manokwari?
A coastal city on the northern side of the Bird's Head Peninsula in West Papua, Indonesia.
Is it taxonomically distinct?
No, it is the same species, Morelia viridis, distinguished informally by locality.
Is it dangerous to humans?
No, it is non-venomous and poses no venom-related danger.
How long does the juvenile color change take?
Typically several months to about a year as the snake matures.
Manokwari Green Tree Python guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Manokwari Green Tree Python.
