About Me
Hi my name is James O'Connell. Welcome to my green tree python page! On this site I will provide information about available captive bred green tree pythons as well as information on natural history, geographic dispertion, and species diversity within the species Morelia Viridis, formerly know as Chondropython Viridis. I have had a lifelong interest in the natural world and a particular fascination with reptiles and amphibians. From the age of 12, I have been involved in the captive care and reproduction of various reptiles including bearded dragons, carpet pythons, amazon tree boas, monitor lizards, and tegus. This website is my personal work in progress, so bear with me as my passion for Green Tree Pythons and IT collide! All snakes photgraphed on this website were either owned or produced by myself. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or comments as I continue to improve upon this site. Email: SanDiegoChondroPython@gmail.com
Over the years, my focus has narrowed to working exclusively with Morelia viridis, or Chondropython viridis as they are formerly known. I have produced over 100 baby green tree pythons since starting my project in 2015, and I prefer to keep my collection small to ensure proper husbandry practices and prevent introduction of potential threat vectors such as nidovirus or crypto. These incredible pythons possess unique traits that distinguish them from all other python species, making them truly exceptional animals to work with.
My breeding program emphasizes ethical practices, proper husbandry, and ensuring each animal receives the highest standard of care. I am dedicated to producing healthy, vibrant green tree pythons with exceptional genetics and temperament while contributing to conservation efforts by reducing demand for wild-caught specimens.
My Philosophy
Quality over quantity. I believe in selective captive breeding to enhance desirable traits while maintaining the health and vigor of these incredible animals. Conservation of wild populations of green tree pythons is a main driving force behind my breeding projects, and I am committed to alleviating the capture and import of wild populations through responsible captive breeding.
Available Animals
Sorong x Aru Yellow Babies
Hatch Date: February 2026
Pairing: Sorong Male × Aru Outcross Female
Expected Traits: Bright Green with strong blue dorsal patterns, calm temperaments making them easy to handle when needed.
Availability: Summer/Fall 2026
These beautiful babies have just hatched! They will be available once well-started and feeding consistently. Pictures will be posted as they develop their stunning coloration.
Coming Summer/Fall 2026
Check back regularly for updates and photos as these babies develop!
Contact me for more information or to be added to the waiting list.
Current & Planned Pairings
Below are the breeding projects currently underway and planned for upcoming seasons. These pairings are carefully selected to produce exceptional offspring with specific desirable traits.
Current Pairing: Sorong × Aru Outcross
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Male: Sorong locality - Features strong blue dorsal markings that consistently pass to offspring. Exhibits excellent structure, manageable size typical of Sorong locality, and calm temperament.
Female: Aru Outcross - Displays beautiful blue coloration with green undertones, proven breeder with calm demeanor and excellent maternal instincts.
Goals: Produce locality crosses with enhanced and blue dorsal coloration, robust health, and calm disposition suitable for both experienced and dedicated new keepers.
Status: Clutch hatched February 2026 - Babies developing beautifully!
Upcoming Pairing: Sorong × Striped Biak
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Male: Sorong locality - Same exceptional male from current pairing with proven genetics for blue dorsal markings and consistent offspring quality.
Female: Striped Biak - Stunning high-contrast striped pattern, representing the beautiful Biak locality characteristics with bold markings.
Goals: Combine Sorong's manageable size and blue genetics with Biak's striking pattern to produce unique locality crosses with exceptional colors and patterns. This pattern has produced only red neonates in their last two cluthces, some of which had an intersting dorsal stripe.
Expected: Spring/Summer 2027
All pairings are carefully planned with genetic diversity, health, and temperament as top priorities. My hope is to alleviate the collection of wild green tree pythons placed for sale in the pet trade by producing quality captive bred babies.
Gallery
Browse through our collection of photographs of Green Tree Pythons I have owned and or produced over the years, showcasing the beauty and diversity of these incredible animals.
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Information & Resources
Green tree pythons (Morelia viridis) are stunning arboreal snakes that require specific care and attention. Below is essential information for keeping these beautiful animals, along with scholarly resources about their natural history and different subspecies.
Enclosure
Arboreal setup with vertical space is recommended, although slightly shorter and longer enclosures will work. Hatchlings thrive in small plastic tub setups (6-12 quarts) for monitoring and security. Juveniles need 18×12×24" enclosures, while adults require minimum 36×24×24" with larger preferred. Multiple perches at different heights help the animal thermoregulate properly. It's also a good idea to provide an elevated water dish near the perch if the enclosure perches are in excess of 18" off of the enclosure floor.
Temperature
Ambient: 78-82°F. Basking spot: 85-87°F. Night drop to around 75 F ok. Always use thermostats for safety and invest in quality temperature monitoring equipment.Radiant heat panels connected to dimming or pulse proportional thermostats is recommended.
Humidity
Maintain 50-70% humidity with daily misting or automated misting system. Provide an enviornment with minimal flucuations in temperature in humidity. Proper humidity and hydration is critical for healthy sheds and respiratory health.
Feeding
Hatchlings: Fozen Thawed pinky mice every 5-7 days. Juveniles: Appropriately sized mice/small rats every 7-10 days. Adults: Properly sized mice/ rats every 10-14 days. Although they are nocturnal hunters, green tree pythons can be fed at any time of the day.
Temperament
Green tree python temperament normally varies upon locality type. Biak locality type are known for their fiery attitude, but there are many cases where biaks are placid and manageable. Highland Lcalities such as Sorong, Jayapura, Cyclops Mtn., Manokwari tend to have a d=calmer dispostion and are likely tame during the daylight hours. During nightime all green tree pythons turn into voracious hunters and it is not recommended to try to handle them.
Lifespan
15-20+ years with proper care. These are long-term commitments requiring dedicated, knowledgeable care throughout their lives. Plan accordingly before acquiring.
Scholarly Resources & Research
Explore peer-reviewed research and scientific literature about green tree python ranges, natural environments, and taxonomy:
- Google Scholar: Morelia viridis Natural Habitat & Distribution Studies
- Reptarium: Green Tree Python Geographic Distribution Maps
- Animal Diversity Web: Morelia viridis (Comprehensive Overview)
Locality & Subspecies Information
Information about different localities and the proposed subspecies classifications:
- M. v. pulcher - Aru locality variants (more information coming soon)
- M. v. azureus (proposed) - Blue-dominant specimens (more information coming soon)
- Locality Variations - Sorong, Biak, Jayapura, Wamena, Merauke, and more (detailed guides coming soon)
More comprehensive information and care sheets coming soon! Check back regularly for updates.
Shipping & Policies
Shipping: I ship via FedEx Priority Overnight with professional insulated packaging and heat/cool packs as needed based on weather conditions. Shipping cost varies by location (typically $50-80). I will not ship during extreme weather conditions.
Health Guarantee: All animals are guaranteed healthy upon arrival with live arrival guarantee when proper shipping methods are used. Any issues must be reported within 2 hours of delivery with photographic/video evidence.
Payment: PayPal, Venmo, or Zelle accepted. 50% non-refundable deposit holds animal, remaining balance due within thirty (30) days, prior to shipping.
Contact Information
For inquiries about available animals, upcoming pairings, care questions, or general information, please reach out:
Email: [email protected]
Website: sdtreepythons.com
I aim to respond to all inquiries within 24-48 hours. Please be patient as I balance being a husband, father, full time student, have a full time career, and this is my first website build!