The African rock python (Python sebae) is the largest snake in Africa, with a grey-green to grey-brown body marked on top by dark-brown, black-edged bars and blotches. It is present across sub-Saharan Africa, from Central and West Africa to South Africa.
African Rock Python
Name
African Rock Python [Python sebae]
Appearance
The African Rock Python is the largest snake in Africa. There is a large spearhead mark on the top of the head; dark and light stripes radiating from eye to mouth. The body, with dark-brown, black-edged bars and blotches on top, is grey-green/-brown.
Diet
The African Rock Python feeds on fish, monitor lizards and crocodiles, smaller antelope, chimpanzees, guineafowl and domestic animals.
Distribution
The African Rock Python is present in sub-Saharan Africa across Central and West Africa, with the Southern African Rock Python found in the Lowveld from Kenya through South Africa, touching the south coast of Kwa-Zulu Natal, and spreading to Lobatse in Botswana and the Northern Cape along the Limpopo river.
Breeding
The female lays 30-50 large eggs, which are almost spherical. To secure the larvae, the female wraps around her nest, but she does not incubate them by shivering. It takes 65 – 80 days for the young hatch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an African rock python eat?
The African rock python has a wide diet that includes fish, monitor lizards, crocodiles, smaller antelope, guineafowl and domestic animals.
Does the female rock python guard her eggs?
Yes. The female wraps her body around the nest to protect the eggs, although she does not incubate them by shivering.
Where is the Southern African rock python found?
The Southern African rock python ranges from Kenya through South Africa, where it occurs in the Lowveld and reaches the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal. It also spreads to Lobatse in Botswana.
What markings does an African rock python have on its head?
The African rock python has a large spearhead mark on top of its head, and dark and light stripes radiating from the eye to the mouth.
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