African Rock Python
Name
African Rock Python [Python sebae]
Class
Reptilia
Order
Squamata
Family
Boidae
Subspecies
2 races are recognized: African rock python [Python sebae sebae] and Southern African rock python [Python sebae natalensis]
Length_F
5,0 m
Length_M
4,25 m
Description
The African Rock Python is Africa's largest snake. There is a large spearhead mark on the crown of the head; dark and light bands radiating from eye to lip. The body is grey-green/-brown, with dark-brown, black-edged bars and blotches on top.
Distribution
The African Rock Python is found in sub-Saharan Africa through Central and West Africa with the Southern African Rock Python found from Kenya through to South Africa where it is found in the Lowveld, reaching Kwa-Zulu Natal south coast, and extending along the Limpopo valley to Lobatse in Botswana and into the Northern Cape.
Breeding
The female lays 30 - 50 large, almost spherical eggs. The female coils around her clutch to protect the eggs, but does not incubate them by shivering. The young hatch in 65 - 80 days.
Diet
The African Rock Python feeds on small antelope, monkeys, guineafowl and domestic animals with fish, monitor lizards and crocodiles also eaten.
Field Notes
The African Rock Python is non-venomous, rather killing its prey by constriction.
