Central African rock python: Difference between revisions

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| name = Central African rock python

| image = African Rock Python constricting a Cormorant, Lake Naivasha, Kenya.jpg

| image_caption = Central African rock python after hunting a cormorant, [[Lake Naivasha]], Kenya

| status = NT

| status_ref = <ref name=iucn>{{cite iucn |author=Alexander, G.J. |author2=Tolley, K.A. |author3=Penner, J. |author4=Luiselli, L. |author5=Jallow, M. |author6=Segniagbeto, G. |author7=Niagate, B. |author8=Howell, K. |author9=Beraduccii, J. |author10=Msuya, C.A. |author11=Ngalason, W. |year=2021 |title=''Python sebae'' |page=e.T13300572A13300582 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-2.RLTS.T13300572A13300582.en}}</ref>

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[[File:Praeneste - Nile Mosaic - Section 1a - Detail.jpg|thumb|right|alt=mosaic coiled snake in yellowish colour|A Roman mosaic showing a Central African rock python from the southern Nile]]

The Central African rock python is found throughout much of tropical sub-Saharan Africa,<ref name=ark9>{{cite journal|author1author-link1=[[:fr:William Roy Branch |last1=Branch |first1=WR]], |last2=Hacke |first2=WD |year=1980 |jstor=1563557 |title= A fatal attack on a young boy by an African rock python Python sebae |journal= Journal of Herpetology |volume=14 14|issue=3 |pages=305–307 |doi=10.2307/1563557}}</ref> from [[Senegal]] east to [[Ethiopia]] and [[Somalia]] and south to northern [[Angola]] and northern [[Tanzania]].<ref name="IUCN">{{cite journal | last=(Institute | first=Luca Luiselli | last2=(IDECC)) | first2=Cooperation | last3=Howell | first3=Kim | last4=Naturkunde | first4=Johannes Penner (Museum für | last5=Institute | first5=Leibniz | last6=Niagate | first6=Bourama | last7=Jallow | first7=Mawdo | last8=Segniagbeto | first8=Gabriel | last9=Beraduccii | first9=Joe | last10=Ngalason | first10=Wilirk | last11=Sciences | first11=Environmental | last12=Witwatersrand | first12=University of the | last13=Africa) | first13=South | title=The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species | journal=IUCN Red List of Threatened Species | date=2019-10-24 | url=https:iucn//www.iucnredlist.org/species/13300572/13300582 | access-date=2025-07-11 | page=}}</ref><ref name=Collins /> ''P. sebae'' ranges across central and western Africa, while ''P. natalensis'' has a more eastern and southerly range, from southern [[Kenya]] to South Africa.<ref name=Holland />

The Central African rock python inhabits a wide range of habitats, including forest, savanna, grassland, semidesert, and rocky areas. It is particularly associated with areas of permanent water,<ref name=Barron /><ref>Luiselli L, Akani GC, Eniang EA, Politano E (2007). "Comparative ecology and ecological modeling of sympatric pythons, ''Python regius'' and ''Python sebae''. '''In:''' Henderson RW, Powell R (Editors) (2007). ''Biology of the Boas and Pythons''. Eagle Mountain, Utah: EMP Press. {{ISBN|0972015434}}.</ref> and is found on the edges of swamps, lakes, and rivers.<ref name=Holland /><ref name=Collins /> The snake also readily adapts to disturbed habitats, so is often found around human habitation,<ref name=ark9/> especially cane fields.<ref name="Meh87"/>

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[[File:African rock python.JPG|thumb|left|300px|The Central African rock python on the road to the south of [[Ivindo National Park]], [[Gabon]]]]

The Central African rock python is still relatively common in many regions across Africa, and may adapt to disturbed habitats,<ref name=ark9/> provided that food is available. The Central African rock python's population in West Africa has suffered greatly, whilst the Southern African species has fared better. This species is heavily exploited throughout its West African range, particularly for bushmeat and leather, and high rates of decline have been reported within the region. These declines appear to exceed 60% over three generations. However, both subspecies have faced declines in population and consequently it is at high risk of being a threatened species. It is listed on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, meaning international trade in Central African rock pythons should be carefully monitored and controlled,<ref name=CITES>{{cite web|title=CITES|url=http://www.cites.org/|publisher=CITES}}</ref> giving wild populations some protection from overcollection for pets and skins. The species is also likely to occur in a number of protected areas, such as the [[Serengeti National Park]] in Tanzania, a World Heritage site.<ref name=UNEP>{{cite web|title=Serengeti National Park, Tanzania |url=http://www.unep-wcmc.org/sites/wh/pdf/Serengeti.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114212640/http://www.unep-wcmc.org/sites/wh/pdf/Serengeti.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=2009-01-14 |publisher=UNEP-WCMC }}</ref>

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