Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Does anyone know if it would be possible to cross a male borneo with a femal Sarawak?
Thank you,
Mike

It wouldn't really be much different than crossing a normal Borneo with a marbled Borneo. The differences in the two are quite minor and I suspect most taxonimists would tell you they are not only the same species, but also the same sub-species etc etc. I doubt they would call them anything more that variations withtin a gene pool such as tall people and short people. Those of us who own them might argue that point.

Now for the real question. Why would you do that? Documented Sarawaks are very uncommon in herpetoculture and thus bring higher prices. But more importantly we should try to keep the gene pool as isolated as possible while we try to sort out taxonomy. I feel strongly that if we have highly documented provenance on a snakes origin we should endeavor to keep their gene pools separated to maintain the variety, at least until we sort through the genetics.

If it is an issue of availability I have a male that hopefully, possibly should be breedable in the spring or fall of next year. I think Ric Crowly has a breeding male right now. Bob Garby probably has several males. I know at least two other members of this list also have males. I'll bet we could work out a breeding arrangement to get you a clutch of 100% dyed-in-the-wool Sarawaks and then we all beg you to sell us one. Contact me via email and we'll chat more about it.

Steve (former molecular biologist and occasional mental patient)
5rings@netscape.com

Here is Zeus,my sarawak male

I think Sarawaks and Borneos are considered the same species. But I would definitely not mix them, the Sarawaks are great looking, and I would try to keep them pure. Just my opinion. -chris-

http://www.anu.edu.au/BoZo/Scott/PDF Files/2001.Keoghetal.P.curtus.pdf

Hi,
Thanks for the reply. And the offer for breeding arrangements. That's a great looking male. Actually, I do have a 1.1 pair. The male is decent enough, but the female is just gorgeous. They are about 1.5 years of age. The female has blown away the male in size this last 6 months and is easily double or triple his size. Anyway, I have a really great looking borneo male and I was just wondering what a cross between them would look like. He and she are my two favorite snakes. I have a feeling a cross between them would be pretty wild looking. The male sarawak looks like maybe he would not be ready to breed by the time she is, which would probably be this years end. Also, I might be getting out of snakes so I might be looking for a new home for them so I'm not really sure what I am doing at the moment. These are from Bob Garby, who is a really nice and helpful guy buy the way. Anyone interested could contact me.

Mike

I have a pair of from Bob as well and strangely my female is also much bigger than the male. I couldn't get the male to eat for the first three months he was here. I finally got him in a smaller cage and turned up the temp a little and he took off. He is still along ways behind the female but eats like a pig. I'm thinking a year and a half out for him. Send me a direct email we'll chat a bit.

Steve 5rings@netscape