African Rock Python / Python Sebae

Following a recent incident involving an African Rock Python. I have decided to create a blog post about how wonderful and amazing these animals are. When it comes to reptiles, people generally fear them because they don't understand them, so education is important to us keepers that are in the hobby.

Habitat

African rock pythons are large animals that live in sub-Saharan Africa and are one of the seven species of genus Pythonidae. There are currently 26 species of python recognised. They can be found in a wide range of habitats although they are usually found in both forests and near deserts and furthermore near water sources.

Pythons are a non-venomous snake that constrict their prey by coiling themselves around prey and squeezing every time a breath is taken until the victim succumbs to asphyxiation. Their prey can be anything from rodents, lizards, birds to antelope and even the occasional crocodile.

Size

African Rock Pythons generally grow to be 14ft although some have been found to measure as large as 20ft+. They typically weigh around 44-55kg with a few weighing much more. In general they are smaller in highly populated areas such as Nigeria, only reaching maximum size in places such as Sierra Leone where population is less dense. Males are also typically smaller than females. Python Sebae is one of the world's largest snakes, along with anacondas, Burmese Pythons and Reticulated Pythons. There are records of african rock pythons growing to 20ft+.

Reproduction

The mating season for the pythons normally begins in the Spring. Due to African Rock Pythons being Oviparous, they lay between 20-100 eggs. Surprisingly, mothers show a stunning level of maternal care for their young and can even be defensive over eggs and hatchlings. They even incubate the eggs and protect them from predators until they hatch and this is generally for up to 90 days. This is interesting as it is unusual for a female snake to protect their eggs.

Hatchling African Rock Pythons are between 18-24 inches in length and look the same as adults, apart from carrying more contrasting colours. In captivity they live for up to 12 years.

Sabae Baby

Human Interactions

Not recommended to be kept as pets for first time keepers and they tend to be temperamental and unpredictable. It is also documented that any python over 15ft should not be handled. Also remember to always handle large snakes with safety in mind. Ensure that you never handle such an animal alone. If the feeding response is triggered, an African Rock Python could easily constrict and kill a person. Always use a snake hook and treat the animal with caution and respect. Also ensure they have a completely safe and secure enclosure that can be locked. 

Humans being killed by African Rock Pythons are rare, in fact only a few have ever been reported. They do not intentionally kill people! It has been documented that there is no reported evidence of one consuming a human being. Although a few have been injured and two deaths have occurred of a 8 and 13 year old boy being constricted which occurred in 1979 and 1999. 

In August 2013, an African Rock Python allegedly killed two young boys in Canada as they slept. The snake did not consume the boys and there were no signs of the snake attacking them which sparked a few questions like what really did happen? It was later discovered that the boys were not killed by the snake and an investigation has been opened. Due to the initial assumption the snake was euthanised which has infuriated reptile keepers worldwide.

I can't stress enough that it is vital to ensure your snakes are kept in a secure enclosure as one keepers mistake can effect a lot of people and even lively hoods. This makes the hobby look bad. Check out the Reptile Laws post I blogged recently to find out more about lawfully keeping such wonderful animals.