african rock python
Physical description This species of snake is considered the largest of all rock pythons and reaches a height of 4.8 m. Their body size varies and male pythons are larger in size compared to females. His body is thick and the entire body is covered with colored spots. Body markings vary between chestnut, olive, yellow, and brown. Its head is triangular in shape and the teeth are sharp and curved backwards. Under his eye there is a mark called a sobocular mark. Their body scales are small and smooth and these pythons are known to have two lungs and they also have pelvic spurs.
Housing and Distribution They prefer a wide range of habitats including savannas, grasslands, forests, rocky areas, deserts, and much more. They are basically seen in areas that have a lot of water. Rock pythons are mostly seen around the edges of lakes, swamps, and rivers. The cane fields are their popular destination. They depend on water and become inactive during the dry season. Its distribution range is wide. They are found throughout sub-Saharan Africa, Ethiopia, Somalia, and South Africa. This species of snakes is also found in some parts of Kenya.
Diet and Behavior Rock pythons are carnivorous. These nonvenomous snakes kill their prey by constriction. They feed on all kinds of rodents, antelope, monkeys, deer, fruit bats, lizards and even crocodiles. Within a minute they kill the prey and seize its entire body. They also eat dogs and goats in suburban areas. They can live without eating for a long time only if the animal they have eaten is large enough. They are solitary snakes and only come together during the breeding season. They prefer to stay on the ground and at some point climb trees. They are good swimmers and can stay submerged for a long time. Juveniles are active during the day and these snakes are widely known for their aggressive nature. If they get upset, they bite and contract. Their dicks are painful and if left untreated can result in something dangerous.
Reproduction, life cycle and life span African Rock Python mating season begins in the spring. These pythons are oviparous and lay 20 to 50 eggs that even have hard shells. They lay their eggs in old animal burrows that are also called mounds or caves. Female pythons take care of the eggs by coiling around the eggs and protecting them from predators. The incubation session begins until they hatch about 80-90 days later. Female pythons protect the newborn for three to four weeks. The young stretch to a length of 45-60 cm and look exactly like the adults. The only difference is the color variation. Pythons can live up to 10-12 years in the wild and 15 years in captivity.
Interesting data
• On warm days, these pythons bask in the sun.
• These pythons lack poisonous tassels.
• They are known to kill humans.
• The prey captured by these pythons die before being consumed.