African Rock Python
Python sebae • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Pythonidae, Genus: Python, Species: Python sebae
Sub-Saharan Africa, ranging from Senegal east to Ethiopia and Somalia, and south to Namibia and South Africa. This specimen appears to be in an enclosure/exhibit.
Look up African Rock Python in the Snake Encyclopedia →Venomous Status
Non-venomous - lacks fangs or venom delivery apparatus.
Danger Level
High Risk (due to size and constriction). While non-venomous, large adults are potentially dangerous to humans due to leur immense size, powerful constriction, and sharp recurved teeth.
Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Pythonidae, Genus: Python, Species: Python sebae
Conservation
Near Threatened (applies to P. sebae status in various regions). Threatened by the bushmeat trade, skin trade, and habitat loss.
Physical Description
Thick, muscular body with large, irregular blotches that are olive, chestnut, or brown with black borders. The head is triangular with a dark 'spearhead' marking on top and prominent heat-sensing pits on the labial scales. Eyes have vertical pupils.
Size & Dimensions
Specimen appears to be a sub-adult or adult. Average adult length is 3 to 4.8 meters (10-16 ft), with rare specimens exceeding 6 meters (20 ft).
Habitat
Highly adaptable, found in a variety of habitats including savannas, grasslands, forests, and near semi-permanent water sources like lakes and rivers. Not typically found in true deserts.
Behavior & Temperament
Generally known for a more aggressive or 'ornery' temperament compared to other large pythons. Primarily nocturnal, often soaking in water to ambush prey. Highly defensive if cornered.
Diet & Feeding
Generalist carnivore. Juveniles eat rodents and birds; adults take large mammals such as antelope, monkeys, warthogs, and occasionally crocodiles. Uses ambush strategy and constriction to kill.
Reproduction
Oviparous (egg-laying). Females lay 20 to 100 large eggs and exhibit maternal care by coiling around the eggs to protect them and maintain incubation temperatures through shivering thermogenesis.
Venom Profile
Non-venomous - no medically significant venom.
Look-alikes
Often confused with the Southern Rock Python (Python natalensis), which is slightly smaller with more broken head markings, and the Burmese Python (Python bivittatus), which has different patterning and a less defensive nature.
Conservation Status
Near Threatened (applies to P. sebae status in various regions). Threatened by the bushmeat trade, skin trade, and habitat loss.
Cultural Significance
Significant in many African cultures; sometimes feared as a predator of livestock and humans, while in other regions, it is revered as a deity or protector of water sources.
Notable Features
One of the world's largest snake species. It possesses heat-sensing pits that allow it to detect warm-blooded prey in total darkness and is known for its remarkable ability to fast for months after a large meal.