Hey,
What is it specifically you'd like to know about the short-tail group? They are related, although, a study conducted by several albeit, well known herpotologist: J. SCOTT KEOGH, DAVID G. BARKER, and RICHARD SHINE , have since divided the group up and have given the three once considered subspecies, full-species (status) classification. The Sumatran name or moniker, is one that can be confusing if the word is not used in conjunction with either Blood or Short-tail. The two being different animals all together. The Sumatran bloods (Red Bloods),are found in the Northern most part east of the Barrisan mountain range on the Island of Sumatra. Populations can also be found centrally, but again, east of the range of mountains in Sumatra. The species, can become tractable with time, and some work, but known to be less so, as a hatchling or juvie. But, with some work, they eventually calm down, and make wonderful captives. However, as with any snake species, there are those exceptions. Such is the case with the insular populations of the species (Bangka: Island form), and the mainland types (Peninsular Malaysia). The Red Bloods, are the largest of the "Bloods" or Short-tail group, with females weighing as much as 30-40 Lbs, for a full grown adult and males weighing as much as 25-30 Lbs. A full grown female can reach 6-7+ feet, and males can reach as much as 4.5-6 ft.
The Sumatran short-tails or Black Bloods, are the more diminutive of the three bloods described by the erroneous moniker in this case of "Blood" (they have the best personality and are the most tractable of the short-tails). The Sumatran Short-tails, are found south and to the west of the Barrisan mountains both inland and to the coast. Their coloration can vary from brown to black depending on the populations regionally, with the southern most populations having the darker or black bodies and heads. The more northern variety of the black bloods or Sumatran short-tails, tend to have the orange to red heads, with lighter body coloration - brown to dark brown bodies. The Sumatran short-tails, also, are the smallest of the short-tails, with males reaching a diminutive size of only 3-4 ft total and females getting to as much as 4-5 ft total length. Anything larger is the exception and not the rule. Females can weigh as much as 20-25 Lbs, and males 15-20 Lbs.
The Borneo Short-tails, are great pythons, and can be quite tractable as babies and juvies - I've yet to encounter a mean one. Although, there are individual keepers that have. They are one of my favorites of the Short-tail species, and adapt quite well to captive settings in new homes. They also, don't get quite as large as the Red Bloods, but can be just as stout relative to their size. Females range in size from 4.5-5.5 ft, with weights upwards of 25-30 Lbs. Males reach 4-4.5 ft total, and can weigh as much as 20-25 Lbs. I've heard of some reaching 6ft, but those are the exception. To the west on the island of Borneo, over the Kalimantan mountain range (Penambo mountain range), there is another small group of short-tails, once thought to be a subspecies to the "Curtus" group or Borneo short-tail, called the Sarawak short-tail. We still hold out hope that they will be vindicated and given full subspecies classification, but for now, they are just a geographical variant of the Borneo short-tail. Go figure!
The Sarawak short-tail python, has a distinct appearance, although they do look remarkably similar to the Borneo short-tail with whom they have now been permanently linked, but phenotypically show themselves to have distinctive traits - both in skin pattern and personality too. They also, tend to be quite active and show a remarkable amount of awareness and curiousity for a short-tail. However, this geographical morph, is not yet popular or are as yet readily available, as this morph has only been imported in short numbers and are only now being recognized by keepers as being distinct. A small population of Sarawak short-tails have only recently, been established and there are only a handful of keepers, fortunate enough to be working with them in captivity for the time being: Richard Crowley, Bob Garby, and Kara of Nerd to name a few. My self and a handful of others were lucky to have been able to procure off-spring from Bob Garby last year, of his successful breeding pair, in 2003.
-Angel
-----
Discovered and defeated of your prey, You skulked behind the fence, and sneaked away. --Dryden.
