Information on the African Rock Python

The African rock python is a massive snake that comes from Africa's sub-Saharan region. The snake is also known by its scientific name, Python sebae. The natural habitat of the species is within savannas and grasslands, oftentimes near water. The African rock python appears in parts of Tanzania, Zambia, Kenya, Somalia, Angola, Ethiopia, Senegal, Zaire and Guinea.

  1. Appearance

    • When African rock pythons reach full maturity, their weight usually ranges between 100 to 120 lbs. They are usually between 14 and 16 feet long, although some can be as long as 28 feet. The base color of the scaly snake is beige with black and brown spotting.

    Food

    • The carnivorous, nonvenomous and cold-blooded African rock python eats meat, such as goats, monkeys, lizards, dogs, cats, rodents, birds, warthogs, deer, crocodiles, pigs, gazelles, smaller-sized apes, hares and rabbits. In rare instances, the snakes also eat fish. The snakes never chew when they eat, and the digestion process works through potent stomach acidity.

    Landscape

    • The African rock python not only resides in grasslands and savannas, but also in rocky areas within aardvark burrows and clumps of driftwood. The pythons also are occasionally found living in the outskirts of forests.

    Life Cycle

    • In the wild, these pythons can live up to 30 years. Sexual maturity takes place between 3 and 5 years old. The incubation process of female African rock pythons lasts for approximately 60 day). In a lifetime, a maximum of 75 to 100 eggs can be laid by the female snakes. When the snakes are born, they are about 6 inches long.

    Temperament

    • For the most part, African rock pythons like to remain in isolation. They usually only look for other snakes for breeding purposes. The African rock python is known for its aggressive temperament, especially when it feels threatened. When the snakes feel trapped, they do not hesitate to bite with their sharp teeth. The bites can lead to infection in many cases, so it is important to seek medical help if you get bitten.