The Occurrence of the Reticulated Python Malayopython reticulatus (Schneider, 1801) (Serpentes: Pythonidae) as evidence of Alien Species’ introduction into Iraq

Wildlife researchers should be cautious about the risks associated with the spread of nonnative
alien species. Ancestral stories on the occurrence of a giant mythical serpent were circulated among local communities in Iraq; however, their validity was rarely tested by researchers. In fact, most of these allegations were often regarded as unsubstantiated superstitions and remained unverified. In a rare case, the researchers report the occurrence of the Reticulated Python Malayopython reticulatus (Schneider, 1801) as an emergent alien species in the Iraqi environment possibly introduced from wildlife trade; its possible introduction pathways, movement, and fate are also discussed.