African Rock Python
Common Name: African Rock Python
Scientific Name: Python sebae
Names: N/A
Locations: Vaughan
Diet
African Rock Pythons are carnivorous, feeding primarily on a variety of mammals, birds, and occasionally reptiles. Their diet can include rodents, antelopes, monkeys, and even crocodiles.
Average lifespan
In the wild, African Rock Pythons can live around 20 to 30 years, though some individuals may live longer under favorable conditions.
Size
African Rock Pythons are among the largest snake species in the world, with adults commonly reaching lengths of 3 to 5 meters (10 to 16 feet). Exceptional specimens have been recorded at lengths exceeding 6 meters (20 feet).
Weight
Adult African Rock Pythons can weigh between 44 to 90 kilograms (100 to 200 pounds), with larger individuals weighing even more.
About
Native to sub-Saharan Africa, African Rock Pythons inhabit a variety of habitats including savannas, forests, swamps, and rocky areas near water. They are well-adapted swimmers and often found near bodies of water, where they can ambush prey that comes to drink.
Size and behavior
African Rock Pythons are ambush predators, relying on camouflage and stealth. They are nonvenomous constrictors, using their powerful bodies to subdue prey by coiling and suffocating it. While generally solitary and secretive, they can become defensive if threatened. Their impressive size and strength make them formidable predators in their ecosystems.
Diet and nutrition
African Rock Pythons have a slow metabolism and can consume large prey items relative to their body size. After a large meal, they may go weeks or even months without eating. In the wild, they rely on hunting opportunities and may travel considerable distances to find suitable prey.
Conservation status
The African Rock Python is currently not listed as endangered on a global scale, but it faces localized threats from habitat destruction, human-wildlife conflict, and hunting. Some populations have declined in areas where their habitat is heavily altered, and they are often killed out of fear. Conservation efforts focused on habitat protection and education can help maintain stable populations.
Fun fact
African Rock Pythons are capable of taking down exceptionally large prey. Historical reports document them preying on antelope, and there are rare but documented instances of attacks on animals as large as goats or even small crocodiles. Their elastic jaws and muscular bodies allow them to swallow prey much larger in diameter than their own heads.
Call or visit your local Reptilia Facility to learn how you can adopt one of these amazing reptiles.
