Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, I'm planning on getting a GTP and I'm having trouble deciding on a locality.....mostly because I don't know the difference in the different localities. So, which would be my best choice, and what are some characteristics of each locality?

I wouldn't put too much consideration into locality. Outside of Biak locale types being known as snappy (plenty of people have Biak types that dont fall under this stereotype), the other locality types differ mainly in color/pattern.

However, I would put a lot of consideration into finding a good US captive born and bred animal. This is the most important part of purchasing a green tree python. It will save you a lot of headaches, and money in th elong run if you purchase from a breeder here in the US. You may pay an extra hundred or two but it will definitely be to your future benefit. If the person you are purchasing from can not show you pictures of the Sire and Dam of the baby, then I would steer clear of that purchase. Take a visit to moreliaviridis.com, and check out the classified section. If there are no babies available right now, then go to some breeder websites. They more than likely have some neo or yearlings available, and if not, use this time to get your caging together, bone up on your knowledge of the species (via The More Complete Chondro by Greg Maxwell), and just tyry to be a sponge and soak up all the possible info you can on this species. Just dont stress the locale type, USCBB is all you need to worry about really.

Yeah, I would never consider buying an import of any species, much less such a delicate species. Don't worry, I don't buy anything wild caught, as I don't agree with taking them out of their natural habitat. Thanks for your help, and do you know which localities have which coloration?

The thing that gets a lot of people new to the world of GTP's is the fact that the vast majority of people selling these animals via this website are just brokers for Farm Hatched animals. Where are these Farms? a couple thousand miles away in New Guinea. The animals can come in with a host of parasites that can range from sub-cutaneous worms to mites...not to mention the stress of travelling thousands of miles. This is where the trick occurs though. Once here they are sold as CB, which they were; just not captive bred here in the US. So it isnt like someone will be selling you a wild caught animal, which is why you have to stress the animal be USCBB. As far as the different locale types coloration: I would check out this link from Greg Maxwell's site. I would also seriously consider treating yourself to a Christmas Gift of: The More Complete Chondro- it answers all of these questions and every other question that may arise in your novice stages of GTP keeping. Any way here is a link to the locale colors.

http://www.finegtps.com/Geographic_races.html

Best of luck to you, and leet me forewarn you; I have kept many different types of herps, but the GTP is the most addictive animal I have ever kept. Enjoy the Addiction.

Steve

Ah, ok. Many thanks!