|Indian python, Python molurus| The Pythonidae, commonly known
simply as pythons, from the Greek word python (πυθων), are a
family of nonvenomous (though see below) snakes found in Africa,
Asia and Australia. Among its members are some of the largest
snakes in the world. Eight genera and 26 species are currently
recognized. Geographic range  Many species have been hunted
aggressively, which has decimated some, such as the Indian
python, Python molurus. Most members of this family are ambush
predators, in that they typically remain motionless in a
camouflaged position and then strike suddenly at passing prey.
They will generally not attack humans unless startled or
provoked, although females protecting their eggs can be
aggressive. Reports of attacks on human beings were once more
common in South and Southeast Asia, but are now quite rare. Prey
is killed by a process known as constriction; after an animal
has been grasped to restrain it, a number of coils are hastily
wrapped around it. Then, by applying and ma