A reticulated python was recently turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-CENRO) Cadiz City.

The python was found and rescued inside a grocery store in Barangay Daga, Cadiz City, Negros Occidental.

CENRO Cadiz City under OIC CENR Officer Mamad T. Gandarosa said they took the python under their care for safekeeping and check-up.

As one of DENR’s priority programs, enhanced biodiversity conservation focuses not only on preserving natural habitats like watersheds, wildlife sanctuaries and mangrove habitats but also preserving the diversity of species.

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. It can grow up to 28.5 feet (8.7 meters). These reptiles are known to be fantastic swimmers, since they require a water source near them.

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, and very intelligent, with gorgeous looks.

Now, under the Department Administrative Order 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 over collection throughout its range and is likely to be moved to the vulnerable category in the near future./WDJ