Python sebae

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African Rock Python
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia   Phylum: Chordata   Class: Reptilia   Subclass: Lepidosauria   Order: Squamata   Suborder: Serpentes   Family: Pythonidae   Subfamily: Pythoninae   Genus: Python   Species: P. sebae
Binomial name
Python sebae Gmelin, 1789
Synonyms
Coluber sebae Coluber speciosus Boa hieroglyphica Python houttuyni Python natalensis Heleionomus variegatus Python liberiensis Python jubalis

The African Rock Python (Python sebae) is a species of large python found throughout the tropical savannah habitats of sub-Saharan Africa.

Contents 1 Description 2 Behavior 3 Taxonomy 4 In captivity 5 Conservation status 6 References

 Description

The average African Rock Python is around 18-20 feet long, though specimens of over 28 feet long have been reported. This makes the African Rock Python the longest snake found in Africa and one of the longest snakes in the world, though they tend to be lighter in body mass than other large snakes, such as the Reticulated Python, Burmese Python, or Green Anaconda, but they are known to attain weights of 250 lb (109 kg).

They are typically brown in color, with olive green and tan irregular blotching, fading to white on the underside. At a glance they can be easily mistaken for the Burmese Python, but the two species are not closely related. Can live up to 18 years.

 Behavior

African rock pythons are highly dependent on water sources, and estivate during the hottest and dryest parts of the year, remaining deep in burrows made by other animals. They are opportunistic predators, and will consume almost any animal they come across which they can overpower with constriction. Young pythons eat primarily small rodents, which makes them popular with local farmers for reducing the populations of species harmful to crops, like the cane rat, but adults are capable of taking very large prey, including young crocodiles, goats and gazelles, making them a potential danger to livestock. The African Rock Python is noted for its bad temperament, and readiness to bite if harassed. In stark contrast to the Burmese Python which is typically docile except when food is near.

Reproduction occurs in the spring, and the female can lay as many as 100 eggs at a time. She guards her nest while they incubate for 2-3 months. Hatchlings are between 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) in length, and appear virtually identical to adults, only they are more contrasting in color.

 Taxonomy

There has been much confusion in the African Rock Python's taxonomic history, with many different authors redescribing it, or considering specimens from different localities to be subspecies.

 In captivity

African Rock Pythons are commonly captive bred and are readily available in the exotic pet trade. They adapt well to captivity, feeding readily on commercially available rat and rabbits. Their duller coloration and poor temperament generally makes their price lower than that other python species, but their large size and voracious appetite makes them suitable only for the most experienced of large snake keepers.

 Conservation status

While not considered an endangered or threatened, the African Rock Python is listed as a CITES Appendix II species, which puts restrictions on its exportation around the world. The primary reason for this is because their skin is used in the leather industry, frequently being made into shoes, belts, and purses.