10 types of pythons found across the world: Meet the world’s longest, rarest, and most powerful snakes

Not all pythons belong to one homogeneous group. Modern classification of snakes places the family Pythonidae under numerous genera determined by phylogenetic lineage, physical features, genetic data and geographical locations of populations. Genera include species inhabiting various ecosystems ranging from the Southeast Asian rainforests to African grasslands, Australian desert areas and Papuan mountain ranges. There are approximately 40 genera of pythons today, including all extant species of snakes. Knowledge about these genera makes it easier for scientists to follow and document changes in biodiversity, conservation issues and evolution of reptiles. The study of python genera assists researchers in understanding how various snake lineages have evolved in different geographical locations and environments.It is important to focus on studies at the level of genera for purposes of conservation since they assist in identifying special evolutionary families of snakes that need protection.Among the best-known and studied species of pythons are those belonging to the genus Python. They are usually muscular and large pythons that live on both continents of Africa and South Asia.List of species under the genus Python:The species under the genus Python prefer living in grasslands, forests, wetlands and savannah environments.A taxonomical review from the Australian Venom Research Unit, Department of Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, classifies the genus Python as one of the major genera under the family Pythonidae.The genus Malayopython has some of the largest snakes on earth.Species under the genus Malayopython:According to the aforementioned research, these are snakes that originate from Southeast Asian countries, including Indonesia and the Philippines.It is worth noting that the reticulated python holds a record in several zoological publications, such as ‘Annotated checklist of the recent and extinct pythons (Serpentes, Pythonidae), with notes on nomenclature, taxonomy, and distribution’, for being the longest-living snake species.The snake genus Morelia is closely connected with Australia and Papua New Guinea. They are well known for their colour patterns and ability to climb trees.Species of the genus Morelia:Many of the Morelia species lead semi-arboreal lifestyles and flourish in rainforests. This genus is often studied by scientists due to the connection between their evolution and that of Australasian rainforests.The genus Aspidites comprises unique pythons from Australia that lack the pit organs that are characteristic of other pythons.Genus Aspidites:Both of these pythons are adapted to survive in hot and arid conditions in Australia.According to scientists at the University of Michigan, the genus Aspidites is very valuable for studies on evolution due to its unique anatomical features.According to the Australian National University, the Antaresia is a group of various types of small-sized pythons found in Australia.List of snakes belonging to the Antaresia category:The said pythons inhabit rocks, woods, and arid places. Due to their small size, they are usually experimented upon in captivity programs.There are many different types of snakes within the Liasis genus that have adapted themselves to thrive in wetlands, floodplains, and tropical rivers.Snakes from the Liasis genus:They are excellent swimmers and usually inhabit areas close to water.Scientific studies such as 'Annotated checklist of the recent and extinct pythons (Serpentes, Pythonidae), with notes on nomenclature, taxonomy, and distribution' keep studying Liasis species due to their adaptability and feeding habits.This genus is indigenous to Papua New Guinea and surrounding islands.Species within the Leiopython genus:According to research conducted in ‘Revision of the Genus Leiopython Hubrecht 1879 (Serpentes: Pythonidae) with the Redescription of Taxa Recently Described by Hoser (2000) and the Description of New Species’, this genus is known for having iridescent scales and light-colored lips.Only one species belongs to the genus Apodora, which is found in Papua New Guinea.Species of the Apodora genus:Large in size, this species changes colour before shedding and is classified as one of the most distinctive python breeds in Oceania.The genus Bothrochilus can be mostly found on the islands of Melanesia.Species of the Bothrochilus genus:These snakes are recognised due to the pattern of rings on their skin and arboreal lifestyle. The isolated nature of this genus makes it especially useful in studies of biodiversity and evolution.The genus Simalia comprises several different species of large rainforest snakes found in Australia and New Guinea.Snakes in the genus Simalia:As research ‘Spatial ecology, activity patterns, and habitat use by giant pythons (Simalia amethistina) in tropical Australia,’ states these snakes usually live in secluded mountains and tropical regions. Scientists still study the Simalia group due to several hard-to-spot species.