Introduction: The Reality of Owning a Burmese Python in Myanmar
The Burmese python (Python bivittatus) is one of the world’s largest snakes, reaching 5–7 meters (16–23 feet) in adulthood. While some reptile enthusiasts in Yangon and Mandalay keep them as pets, ownership comes with legal risks, ethical concerns, and extreme care challenges.
This guide covers:
✔ Myanmar’s laws on python ownership
✔ Costs and care requirements (localized for Myanmar)
✔ Risks and alternatives
1. Is It Legal to Own a Burmese Python in Myanmar?
📜 Wildlife Protection Laws
- Protected under Myanmar’s Conservation of Biodiversity and Protected Areas Law (2018)
- Schedule II species: Private ownership requires a permit from the Forest Department
- Illegal to capture from the wild (fines up to MMK 1,000,000 or jail time)
⚠️ Reality Check:
- Most pet pythons in Myanmar are illegally wild-caught (sold in black markets like Yangon’s Mingalar Market).
- Even with permits, exporting pythons is banned under CITES Appendix II.
2. Challenges of Keeping a Burmese Python
A. Space & Housing
- Adult pythons need enclosures 3m+ long (impractical in apartments).
- DIY solutions cost ~MMK 500,000–1,000,000 (custom wood/glass tanks).
B. Feeding Costs
| Age | Food | Monthly Cost (MMK) |
| Juvenile | Rats (2–3/week) | 50,000–100,000 |
| Adult | Rabbits/pigs (every 2–3 weeks) | 200,000+ |
📌 Issue: Live prey is ethically controversial; frozen feeders are rare in Myanmar.
C. Safety Risks
- Adults can kill humans (rare but documented in captivity).
- Escape risk: Pythons are strong enough to break weak cages.
3. Where Do Pet Pythons Come From in Myanmar?
Most are sourced from:
✔ Black markets (Mingalar Market, Yangon)
✔ Illegal breeders (no oversight on genetics/health)
✔ Confiscated snakes (sometimes resold illegally)
💡 Ethical Note: Buying supports wildlife trafficking, which threatens Myanmar’s ecosystems.
4. Better Alternatives for Reptile Lovers
If you want a legal, manageable snake, consider:
**✅ Ball Python (Python regius)**
- Max 1.5m (easier to house)
- Docile temperament
- Available legally in some Yangon pet shops (e.g., Exotic Pets Myanmar)
**✅ Corn Snake (Pantherophis guttatus)**
- Non-venomous, good for beginners
- Eats frozen mice (easier to source)
5. What to Do If You See an Illegal Python?
Report to:
- Myanmar Forest Department (Hotline: +95 67 431 847)
- Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS Myanmar)
- Yangon Snake Rescue (Facebook group)
🚫 Never release pet pythons—they can disrupt local ecosystems.
Conclusion: Think Twice Before Getting a Python
While Burmese pythons are magnificent creatures, they are not suitable pets for 99% of people in Myanmar due to:
❌ Legal risks (fines, confiscation)
❌ Space/cost challenges
❌ Ethical concerns (wildlife trafficking)
Better Option: Support legal reptile keeping with ball pythons or corn snakes.
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