Sorong Green Tree Pythons
When discussing localities and races of Green Tree Pythons it is important to consider the geographic barriers of the region. The Papua New Guinea mainland is divided into pockets of Chondro habitats by a central mountain range that at very least obstructs the cross breeding of localities and allows populations to develop in isolation. Generally we can state that there are strong racial traits amongst the north-western mainland localities that contrast to those of the south and south-west
Green Tree Pythons from the Vogelkop Peninsula and Raja Ampat regions in western Indonesian New Guinea are commonly referred to as ‘Sorong type’ after the largest city in the area.
Sorong green tree pythons are characterised by an almost unbroken blue dorsal line with blue triangle patterns on either side of the line. Blue spots can often be seen on the animals’ sides and some white scales may be present. Their tails are generally longer and more tapered than some other types and are blue or black on the tip. Hatchlings can be red or yellow with a dark stripe along the dorsal line. There has become a trend in Australia for any animal showing signs of blue to be labelled Sorong type (or incorrectly Sarong type). Many of these animals are in fact mixed locality and do not exihibit the characteristics of Sorong locality type.
Credit: Stephen Brown
Sorong type Green Tree Pythons
By Christos Issaris
Sorong are the smallest representatives of this kind and reach a total length of 150 cm. The head is relatively small compared to other shapes. The snake usually has a light green color and can have a white or yellow-colored lower abdomen. But there are also specimens that wear a darker green. The flanks are either the same color as the rest of the body or have light blue pigments, especially near the abdomen. The tail is pigmented dark blue and very long. However, I also saw animals that had a lighter tail. The most typical feature, however, is the light blue or turquoise triangular drawings on the back, which are ideally connected. Single blue scales, but which can also appear in groups are on the flanks and a few white scales near the back.
