Python meat is cheap protein alternative - scientists

In a warehouse in the lush humid farmlands of central Thailand, thousands of pythons lie coiled in containers, striking at the glass as people pass by.

They are being raised for their robust, diamond-patterned skins, which are sold to high-end European fashion houses for belts, bags and handbags, but some scientists and industry insiders believe the snakes' true value could lie in their meat.

Demand for meat is growing globally and some feel reptiles have been overlooked as an option. Snakes can tolerate high temperatures and drought, reproduce quickly and grow far faster than traditional sources of animal protein, while consuming a lot less food.

Researchers estimate that China and Vietnam alone have at least 4000 python farms, producing several million snakes, mostly for the fashion industry. "Python farming may offer a flexible and efficient response to global food insecurity," concluded a study published earlier this year in the journal, Nature.