"Biak" Green Tree Python (Morelia viridis)
This form is found on Biak island which lies to the north of mainland New Guinea. Of all the localities of Morelia viridis, this population may well be the most distinct. Adult Biaks are the largest of the species and are also the most prolific, averaging larger clutch sizes than other localities. Biak animals also differ in that they have a more elongated snout giving them a more dragon like appearance. Coloration is also a defining characteristic of this form. Many Biaks retain some amount of yellow into adulthood and it is this trait that they are perhaps best known for. In addition to yellow, some adults retain moderate amounts of black.
Biaks differ from mainland viridis in both morphology and DNA and it seems likely to us that they will one day be designated as a separate taxon. As with all of our green tree pythons we make every effort to breed only locality specific animals in an effort to preserve the distinct and separate evolutionary lineages that these populations represent.