Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Well figured I'd throw up a post because I've finally bought a pair! I purchased the 04' pair Matt had posted on kingsnake (when they get here I'll post some pics!). Always liked burms but they get bigger then I want to work with (not to say I don't work with them...just not my own). Not a ton of info out there so if anyone has any usefull info let me know. I've got plenty of large constrictor experience so it should be fun. Plan on working with them as I know how they can be and I'd like some calm workable animals on my hands. Looking forward to maybe producing some of my own one day.
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John Light
JL Exotics
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John,
You are correct in that P. m. "pimbura" have a smaller adult size than the other two molurus. The adult females I am currently working with have a growth pattern that would indicate a full adult size around the 12 to 14 feet range. Full adult males are smaller, typically running in the 8 to 10 feet range. Pure specimens are fairly rare, and appearance will be the main determining factor as scalation differences from P. m. molurus are very slight or non-existent. Lack of any markings on top of the head is significant, as well as a large number of H-pattern blotches on the dorsal surface. Also significant for identification are several color variations along with fading within these dark blotches. Most tend to be fairly aggressive and nervous, but the females I have are very docile, but move constantly when being held. It is very characteristic of "pimbura" to be very alert, and they will always turn and follow with their head any object moving in front of the cage. Indians or burmese will rarely do this. Please post photos when you get a chance, I would like to see them. I have posted a few photos below to show the pattern characteristics I covered above.

Kelly

Kelly-
That third picture (and animal) is breathtaking. If thats typical of the stock you're working with,please keep us posted!

she turned out to be one of the nicest ones I have ever seen. She looked above average as a hatchling, but really came on in that second year. Just my opinion, but I think a nice, classic "pimbura" is about the most impressive of all python species.

Kelly

WOW those are some great pics! I was talking to the seller and was informed that the pair I am recieveing are 04' G3's from a W.C. pair - back when they actually allowed imports. I'll have pics from the seller on Sat - forgot to save the ones posted. I get them in on monday afternoon and you bet I'll have plenty of pics up! This will be my first experience with them, I can't wait!!!
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John Light
JL Exotics
Contact Me
Web Site

Great pics guys.

Not to put a damper on your excitement about Sri Lankan Pythons since they are very cool. I have a CBW permit and keep both the mainland and the island forms.

After reading the Reptile Magazine statement by Don Hamper about his trials and tribulations with the transport of protected species across state lines, BE CAREFULL. He is spending a year and a day in jail plus paying out a ton of money for the violations. He also can't have reptiles until he is off probation! That would kill most of us to say the least, so better to keep legal forms or take the time to apply and pay for the permits rather than loose your privaledge to have anything-right!

I applied for the CBW permit and it took about 2-3months to have it issued.

YOU DO NEED THE PERMIT FOR "Pimbura" Sri Lankan Python, Ceylonese Python. The Department of Fish & Wildlife accepts the classification of pimbura as synonomous with molurus the mainland "light phase" Indian Python. There is genetic research underway to re-validate pimbura as a subspecies again but for now they are Appendix 1 Endangered Species.

Don't let someone ship you one across state lines saying it is not a molurus. I will check and see if it is legal to drive to another state and purchase a specimen and return with it as personal property, probably not. You can move to another state with your animals as personal property but I don't know if you went and bought one and returned if it would trip the alarm or not? You can always get a verification by calling the Fish and Wildlife office in Virgina, they are always very helpfull.

Only bivitattus can be obtained and shipped without the permit.

wlamor

Thank you for your cautionary note. One goal of mine is to keep my custody time to a bare minimum. Curious though, that's a Federal violation with Federal time? And can I be confident that with an in-state breeder (EBV : California sales only)that they have in fact done requisite paper with the Feds to protect them and the buyer? What do you think?

If you can prove with a drivers license etc. that you are a resident of the State of California, you have no problem. You can legally purchase Endangered Species such as Eastern Indigos,Indian/Ceylonese Pythons or Radiated Tortoices to name a few. I believe both EBV and Prehistoric Pets has Indians and EBV also has Pimbura. I know there are several private breeders that offer them from time to time for "in state sales only". Hope this helps.

Anyway, it never has made sence to me why we live in United States but in this case they seem to treat each state like it is a little country. But then again, if you have to have a permit to ship heads of lettuce to market from one state to another, why not reptiles!

That's the law - be great of you could change it but not likely.

Virtually all laws beyond the Golden Rule and Ten Commandments seem pretty superfulous to me, but I comply generally. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I definitely covet both races(or species) of Indians. They have a "classic python" look I recall from childhood reading of Ditmars.