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I recently purchased this female, she is about 24-30". She is a very established wild-caught that was represented to me as being a Wamena. Any thoughts on locality? The individual I got her from seemed quite in touch with imports and locality and told me that specimens with this appearance were not common. I bought her because she really stood out and my eyes kept going back to her. Thanks in advance.

DM Exotics

Hey Dan, How's everything going? To address your question reguarding that supposed Wamena, current literature states that there is liitle evidence to establish certain mainland forms as having specific characteristics unique to that range (see the book THE COMPLETE CHONDRO page 43). Only the island forms can be considered as having characteristics unique to that range since these islands are isolated from surrounding areas by water. "Microlocalities" from the mainland were originally brought into use as marketing ploys to sell animals from those regions even though no proof has been set forth to establish them as having certain color and patern characterisics unique to that region. Throw into the mix the high variability of chondros within a known and accepted locality and this adds even further confusion. I would forget about locality when it comes to that one you have and just take heart in the fact that you have one kickass chonro! Stay well. ---------RON
P.S How are my favorite Futo BCC's doing? That pair of yours is awesome.

While I agree with your post, I also did some homework and was able to come up with many photographs of Wamena locality animals off the net. For pure locality purposes, in most cases if you didn't go collect it yourself, you cannot be 100% sure. From what I seem to have learned, however, is that Wamenas have a bit of a unique dorsal pattern and mine seems a match. What makes this one stand out is the bright yellow diamonds but things could definitely change as this is a younger animal. It doesn't really matter much to me either way, it was coming home with me regardless

As for my Futo's, they are still breeding. I just had one Bcc ovulate and another is swelling so it could still happen. It is definitely not too late for this year.

Dont normally post here but keep a few GTPs. I liked what Ron said. It all makes sense. Now if we could just get the other species people (I also keep bloods, kings, milks and carpets) to follow suit snake buying would be a whole lot easier.

I think the important thing is that no matter where it comes from you have a gorgeous snake. Thank your eyes for returning to her. They did well.

Steve

Great looking snake, looks like an outstanding Wamena to me.

Dave Prada