By KHT Staff
KAOHSIUNG — What began as scattered reports of “monster snakes” has evolved into a full-blown scientific warning: the Reticulated Python, the world’s longest snake, may have officially established a self-sustaining breeding population in the wild of Kaohsiung.
According to a report released today (April 20) by the Taiwan Herpetological Conservation Association (THCA), since 2017, there have been 19 confirmed sightings of these massive constrictors in the wild. Most alarmingly, the data shows an extreme concentration of these giants in one specific area: the Dianbao River (典寶溪) basin.
The Reticulated Python is a master of the hunt, famous for its ornate geometric patterns and staggering size. While typically averaging 3 to 6 meters, some individuals can grow beyond 7 meters (23 feet).
Though not native to Taiwan, these snakes were once popular in the exotic pet trade. However, since being classified as a protected species in 2017, legal imports have ceased. Experts say the high frequency of sightings in such a small area can no longer be dismissed as “accidental pet escapes.”
Why Experts Are Worried
Professor Tsai Tien-shun of Pingtung University of Science and Technology offered evidence that he said could points to a local breeding colony:
- In Taiwan’s pet market, owners of Burmese Pythons outnumber Reticulated Python owners 7 to 3.
- Despite being less common as pets, there have been 19 wild sightings of Reticulated Pythons over the last 14 years, compared to only 4 sightings of Burmese Pythons.
- Out of the 19 Reticulated Python records, 10 were found specifically within the Dianbao River basin in Kaohsiung.
“This level of concentration is a powerful indicator that they are not just surviving—they are thriving and reproducing,” the Association warned.
Experts caution that if a breeding population has taken hold, it could pose long-term ecological risks. They recommend increased public awareness in hotspot areas and urge residents to report sightings immediately to local capture teams rather than attempting to handle the animals themselves.
Original reporting: Minshi News (民視新聞網); Taiwan Reptile Conservation Association (台灣爬行類動物保育協會)
