Nura is the name of a creature that has been passed down through folklore and described by forest-goers. However, there have been no accurate videos or images of this creature. To this day, people still do not truly know what nura actually is.
Thus, similar to the myth of the “Trau snake,” the nura is merely a product of oral tradition and may not exist (at least not until now) as no one has captured or photographed it to validate its existence. Nevertheless, the feature of the nura having nine nostrils is not too hard to believe.
In fact, most species of pythons have two main nostrils and numerous heat pits, which may lead those unfamiliar with snakes or pythons to think they are nostrils. Among the python species, the Green Tree Python (scientific name: Morelia viridis) has a particularly impressive number of nostrils.
Nostrils and heat pits of the Green Tree Python. (Photo: Pinterest)
The nura has an extremely impressive number of nostrils. (Photo: Pinterest)
The Green Tree Python is a creature known for its mesmerizing beauty, making it a highly sought-after pet. Like other pythons, the Green Tree Python is non-venomous. However, its teeth are long and sharp, resembling the fangs of venomous snakes.
As a result, the bite from this python can be much more painful than that of other pythons (see image below). These teeth are angled inward to help the snake grasp and hold onto its prey, making it easier for them to swallow.
Teeth of the Green Tree Python resemble fangs of venomous snakes. (Photo: Reptile.com)
The Green Tree Python is native to New Guinea, a few islands in Indonesia, and Cape York Peninsula (Australia). This species typically reaches about 2 meters in length and weighs around 1.6 kg when fully grown, with females generally being larger and heavier than males (sexual dimorphism).
True to its name, the Green Tree Python primarily inhabits trees. They hunt small mammals and reptiles by ambushing them. With their green coloration blending in with the leaves, this species camouflages itself very well in the wild.
While the Green Tree Python has only two nostrils for breathing, it possesses numerous heat pits. These pits allow the python to detect the temperature of its surroundings and locate prey. Some species of pit vipers also have these heat pits.
The Green Tree Python has up to 9 heat pits on each side. Thus, if we count both nostrils, this species has a total of 20 “nostrils.” Not only the Green Tree Python but also other python species possess varying numbers of heat pits, so the idea of the nura having 9 nostrils is not too far-fetched.
