Animals African Rock Python

African Rock Python Python sebae

African Rock Python

Description

The African Rock Python can be up to 25 feet in length, but averages around 16 to 20 feet. Brown with olive and tan irregular blotching fading to white on the underside. Tan, V shape on the face with no fangs. Uses heat sensing organ in both jaws (infrared) to detect warm-blooded prey.

Tags

Share

Copied!

Range

The African Rock Python's range is Africa south of the Sahara, from Senegal east to Ethiopia and Somalia and south to northern Namibia and east to the Indian Ocean

Habitat

The African Rock Python inhabits grassland, open forests, and savanna not far from water.

Gestation

Gestation lasts 2-3 months.

Litter

Up to 100 eggs

Behavior

The top and bottom jaws of the African Rock Python are attached to each other with stretchy ligaments so that they can swallow prey whole. They are highly dependent on sources of water, and estivate during the hottest and driest parts of the year, remaining deep in burrows made by other animals.

Reproduction

Reproduction of the African Rock Python occurs in the spring. Incubation is 2-3 months. Hatchling are between 18 – 24 inches in length and appear virtually identical to adults, except with more contrasting colors.

Diet (Wild)

Opportunistic, primarily small rodents, but goats, crocodiles and even people

Diet (Zoo)

Rodents

Images

Documents

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo logo © 2024 Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. All rights reserved.

Note: Images and resources on this site may be historical in nature and are intended for educational purposes only. Some of the items included in this list are historical, and may not currently be found at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.