One of the pythons (Python molurus bivittatus) that lives in Terra Natura Benidorm has laid 30 eggs. Keepers estimate that they will hatch at the beginning of July. Currently, this species is in a vulnerable state of conservation, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and that is listed in Annex II of CITES.

The female of almost three metres long and 20 kilos of weight has returned to lay eggs, a fact that shows that these specimens have optimal and adequate levels of well-being, which favours their reproduction. In fact, courtship in reptiles is a complex behaviour, so getting them to lay eggs shows their state of health.

Once the female and the male match, it is easier for them to reproduce, as long as they have adequate levels of well-being. However, they don´t remain as a couple forever, they get together for the moment of courtship and mating as the female starts the heat period.

To ensure the birth of the baby pythons, the mother, who lives in Terra Natura Benidorm since 2014, will remain coiled during two months that last the gestation period to incubate the eggs and thus offer the protection they need in front of a supposed enemy.

The female python is also responsible for rubbing her muscles with gentle body movements from time to time in order to keep her temperature at the appropriate values, even raising it between five and ten degrees to protect her eggs. Pythons can modify the sex of their baby by varying the temperature during the incubation period.