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17 February 2010

BURMESE PYTHON RECOGNIZED AS DISTINCT SPECIES

Zur taxonomie des dunklen tigerpythons, Python molurus bivittatus Kuhl, 1820, speziell
der population von Sulawesi

Hans J. Jacobs, Mark Auliya & Wolfgang Böhme

2009. Sauria 31(3): 5-16

Abstract: The taxonomic status of the Burmese Python (Python molurus bivittatus) is
reassessed and elevated to specific rank again. The population from Sulawesi, Indonesia, is
a dwarf form of this giant snake that is redefined as Python bivittatus progschai ssp. n.

Summary (part):
On the taxonomy of the Burmese Python, Python molurus bivittatus Kuhl, 1820,
specifically on the Sulawesi Population

The Indian python, Python m. molurus (Linnaeus, 1758) and the Burmese Python, P. m.
bivittatus Kuhl, 1820 are constantly distinguished by two morphological characters, viz.
"supralabials touching eye" versus "complete circumocular ring" and "lanceolate dorsal
head pattern indistinct in front of eyes" versus "lanceolate dorsal pattern distinct to tip of
snout." Despite their subspecific status (which requires allopatry or parapatry at least), the
latter co-occur as several relict populations within the distribution range of the former
(viz., at some sites in North India along the Nepalese border, and in East India in the
Bengal region: Barker & Barker 2008), and, despite their close relationship and their ability
to crossbreed in captivity (O’Shea 2007), both maintain their phenotypic identities without
interbreeding in nature. This argues strongly for selective pressures against hybridization,
which is what we regard as typical for incipient speciation. We therefore once more raise
the Burmese Python to specific rank.

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USARK

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