Reticulated python turned over to DENR-CENRO

Punong Barangay Lucien Olvido of Daga, Cadiz City (fifth from left) turned over a Reticulated Python to DENR-CENRO, Cadiz City. (DENR-6)

The Philippines is home to the world’s longest snake, the Reticulated python (Python reticulatus), which also happens to be the world’s longest reptile.

Reticulated pythons can grow up to 28.5 feet (8.7 m). These reptiles are known to be fantastic swimmers.

According to Reptile World Facts, Reticulated Pythons are quite aggressive in the wild but captive breeding has changed the reputation of these pythons from that of an aggressive, hard to handle snake, to a snake that is easy to care for, very intelligent, and with gorgeous looks.

Now, under the Department Administrative Order (DAO) 2019-09 otherwise known as “Updated National List of Threatened Philippine Fauna and their categories”, the Reticulated python is classified as other threatened species which is under threat from adverse factors such as overcollection throughout its range and is likely to be moved to the vulnerable category in the near future.

As a way of protecting this wildlife species, DENR-CENRO Cadiz City took custody of a Reticulated python that was found and rescued inside Lindy’s Grocery store in Brgy, Daga, Cadiz City.

One of the residents helped in rescuing the python.

OIC-CENR Officer Mamad T. Gandarosa, EMS I Nelsa Salimbot, and FT I Abie Michael Lunaba facilitated the turnover of the Reticulated python. CENRO Cadiz took the python under its care for safekeeping and check-up. (DENR-6)