To rest and hunt, the snake coils itself over branches in a classic saddle position. This posture allows the snake to drape its body securely while keeping its muscles coiled and ready to strike. The position not only conserves energy but also makes the snake nearly invisible to anything moving below in the shaded understory.

From its perch, the green tree python waits patiently for birds, lizards, or small mammals to pass by. When prey comes within range, it launches a lightning-fast strike and sinks its sharp, backward-facing teeth into the target. These teeth are designed to hold prey firmly in place, preventing escape, while the snake quickly wraps its coils around the animal to constrict and suffocate it.

This ambush strategy is highly effective in the dense and shaded treetops where movement is limited and cover is plentiful. By combining camouflage, patience, and sudden speed, the green tree python thrives in its elevated environment. These adaptations make it one of the most specialized and successful predators in the rainforest canopy.

If the temperature of the nest stays around 90 to 93 degrees Fahrenheit, most of the hatchlings will be male. These warmer ranges encourage the development of testes rather than ovaries, resulting in a higher proportion of male offspring. For a mother alligator, where she chooses to build her nest can strongly influence the sex ratio of her clutch.

Cooler conditions, usually between 82 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit, produce mostly females. Even a slight shift of just a few degrees can alter the outcome, sometimes leading to mixed groups of both sexes. This narrow margin highlights how delicate and precise the incubation process must be for balanced populations.

This temperature-dependent sex determination is not unique to alligators but is found in many reptiles, including some turtles and crocodiles. The system makes populations sensitive to climate shifts. Rising global temperatures may tip the balance toward producing more males than females, which could disrupt reproduction and long-term stability. As climates continue to change, this vulnerability becomes an important concern for conservation efforts.