Locality types and such

[Mikoh4792]

I've been reading up on the different localities for chondros and something has me confused. What do people mean when they say "highland" green tree python? Does it mean a locality of GTP's that live in higher elevations or is it a certain location like sorong, merauke...etc?

[smy_749]

High land is high elevation localities.

[Mikoh4792]

High land is high elevation localities.

Ah I see. In that case what is the point in labeling them as high land types? Do high land types across New Guinea share similar characteristics?

[smy_749]

Cant help you there. Im not real familiar with localitie characteristics honestly.

[brooklynboy521]

To put it simply you can break GTPs into 5 main types of localities.
1) First you have the Aru types which come from the southern area of their range. They are smaller than Biaks but larger than most. These chondros are brighter lime green with white flecking and blue up the sides and around the mouth area.
2) Biak Green Tree Pythons come from the Biak island in Indonesia. They are the largest locality and are said to be the most aggressive. Biaks usually are green with yellow flecking.
3) The Canary/Kofiau chondros are found on the island of kofiau and possibly the surrounding islands. They are different because they usually maintain their yellow color into adulthood.
4) Sorong/Jayapura green tree pythons are a smaller locale. They are generally more tolerant of people as well as arus. They are marked by green pattern with a blue dorsal stripe and yellow pattern up the sides. Although on a map sorong and jayapura are not too close, they make up most of the mainland types along with yapen
5) Merauke and the Cape Yorks are found around the northern tip of Oz and surrounding islands. They are generally darker green with a white bead pattern down the dorsal.

To tell you the truth I think most of the locale game is BS. There are mainly those 5 (there may be one or two more that I missed) and most of the ones you see for sale with names you never heard of are usually the Sorong/Jaya mainland types. These also usually include the "highland" ones.

[brooklynboy521]

And I used to own a biak and have handled several. I never really met a tame one lol. The mainland sorong/jayas are much calmer in my opinion. My girl is a sweetheart.

[Theweinz]

I have not added one to my collection yet because I am still unsure which local I want. I am leaning toward sorong, but am in no hurry. Need to pick up the Maxwell book too, it is getting cheaper in secondary market.

[brooklynboy521]

I have not added one to my collection yet because I am still unsure which local I want. I am leaning toward sorong, but am in no hurry. Need to pick up the Maxwell book too, it is getting cheaper in secondary market.

Although GTPs should be handled on a limited basis as they are more delicate if you plan on taking it out once in a while I would highly recommend a sorong/Jaya. They are less prone to be aggressive and stay smaller than the Biaks. Aru is another good choice but they get a little bigger.

[smy_749]

My jaya was a demon

[Theweinz]

Although GTPs should be handled on a limited basis as they are more delicate if you plan on taking it out once in a while I would highly recommend a sorong/Jaya. They are less prone to be aggressive and stay smaller than the Biaks. Aru is another good choice but they get a little bigger.

Thank you for the excellent advice. I really like the coloration of the Sorong and I would like to handle it.

[MrCaveman]

I've got a Jayapura that is lime green with baby blue spine with yellow sides and a few white and yellow speckles. He is completely non agressive, great to handle and is less than 4 feet.

[Mikoh4792]

I've got a Jayapura that is lime green with baby blue spine with yellow sides and a few white and yellow speckles. He is completely non agressive, great to handle and is less than 4 feet.

Awesome. Show some pictures!