Central African rock python: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Species of snake}}

{{About|the African snake|the Asiatic rock python|Python molurus|other uses|Rock python (disambiguation){{!}}Rock python}}

{{Speciesbox

| name = Central African rock python

| image = Adult Female Python sebae 1.33aspect.jpg

| image_caption = Adult female ''P. sebae'', northern subspecies (note the thick body)

| status = NT

| status_ref = <ref name=iucn>{{cite iucn |title=''Python sebae'' |name-list-style=amp |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 |page=e.T13300572A13300582 |accessdate=2 December 2021}}</ref>

| status_system = IUCN3.1

| genus = Python

| species = sebae

| authority = ([[Johann Friedrich Gmelin|Gmelin]], 17891788)

| subdivision_ranks = Subspecies

| subdivision =

*''P. s. natalensis'' <small>Smith, 1833</small>

*''P. s. sebae'' <small>(Gmelin, 1788)</small>

| range_map = Natural Range of Python sebae.svg

| range_map_caption = <div style="text-align:left;">

{{legend|#48DF38|border=1px solid #48DF38|Range of ''Python sebae sebae''}}

{{legend|#F07647|border=1px solid #F07647|Range of ''Python sebae natalensis''}}

{{legend|#F4EA31|border=1px solid #F4EA31|Range of hybrids}}</div>

| range_map_alt = Map of Africa showing highlighted range of two subspecies covering much of the continent south of the Sahara Desertdesert

| synonyms_ref = <ref name="McD99">[[:fr:Roy Wallace McDiarmid|McDiarmid RW]], [[Jonathan A. Campbell|Campbell JA]], Touré TA (1999). ''Snake Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference, Volume 1''. Washington, District of Columbia: Herpetologists' League. {{ISBN|1-893777-00-6}} (series). {{ISBN|1-893777-01-4}} (volume).</ref>

| synonyms = {{hidden begin|title=Synonymy}}

*''Coluber sebae'' <small>[[Johann Friedrich Gmelin|Gmelin]], 17891788</small>

*''Coluber speciosus'' <small>[[Pierre Joseph Bonnaterre|Bonnaterre]], 1790</small>

*''Boa hieroglyphica'' <small>[[Johann Gottlob Schneider|Schneider]], 1801</small>

Line 34 ⟶ 36:

}}

The '''Central African rock python''' ('''''Python sebae''''') is a [[species]] of large constrictor snake in the [[Family (biology)|family]] [[Pythonidae]]. The species is native to [[sub-Saharan Africa]]. It is one of 1011 living [[species]] in the [[genus]] [[Python (genus)|''Python'']]. It has two [[subspecies]]. One subspecies is found in [[Central Africa|Central]] and [[Western Africa]], and the other subspecies is found in [[Southern Africa]].

Africa's largest snake and one of the eightsix [[List of largest snakes|largest snake species]]<ref>{{cite web |title=African Rock Python |url=https://www.reptilerange.com/african-rock-python/ |website=Reptile Range |access-date=31 December 2020}}</ref> in the world (along with the [[green anaconda]], [[reticulated python]], [[Burmese python]], [[Southern African rock python]], [[Indian python]], [[yellow anaconda]] and [[Australian scrubamethystine python]]), specimens may approach or exceed {{convert|6|m|abbr=on}}. The southern species[[subspecies]] is generally smaller than its northern relative but in general, the Central African rock python is regarded as one of the longest species of snake in the world.<ref>{{cite web |title=African Rock Python |url=https://www.reptilerange.com/african-rock-python/ |website=Reptile Range |access-date=9 August 2022}}</ref> The snake is found in a variety of habitats, from forests to near deserts, although usually near sources of water. The snake becomes dormant during the [[dry season]]. The Central African rock python kills its prey by constriction and often eats animals up to the size of antelope, occasionally even crocodiles. The snake reproduces by egg-laying. Unlike most snakes, the female protects her nest and sometimes even her hatchlings.

The snake is widely feared, though it is nonvenomous and very rarely kills humans. Although the snake is not endangered, it does face threats from habitat reduction and hunting. Some cultures in subSub-Saharan Africa considereat itthis asnake as delicacy, which maymight posegenerally abe threat to its population.

==Taxonomy and etymology==

The Central African rock python is <!-- conflicts with intro one of ten species --> in the [[genus]] ''Python'', large constricting snakes found in the moist tropics of Asia and Africa. The species ''P. sebae'' is divided into two [[subspecies]], ''P. s. sebae'' (the [[Nominotypical subspecies|nominate subspecies]]) and ''P. s. natalensis'' (the Southern African rock python).<ref name="ITIS">{{ITIS |id=634785 |taxon=''Python sebae'' |access-date=12 September 2007}}</ref> Some consider the more southerly population of this snake to be a separate species, ''Python natalensis'',<ref name=Holland /><ref name=Schmidt /> while others consider this population to be a subspecies.<ref name=Barron /><ref name=CITES>{{cite web|title=CITES|url=http://www.cites.org/|publisher=CITES}}</ref>

''P. sebae'' was first described by [[Johann Friedrich Gmelin]], a German naturalist, in 17891788.<ref name="ITIS">{{ITIS |id=634785 |taxon=''Python sebae'' |access-date=12 September 2007}}</ref> Therefore, he is also the taxon author of the speciesnominate subspecies. The southern subspecies was first identified by South African zoologist [[Andrew Smith (zoologist)|Sir Andrew Smith]], in 1833.<ref name="ITIS"/><ref name="Meh87"/>

The [[Genus|generic name]], ''Python'', is a [[Ancient Greek language|Greek]] word referring to the [[Python (mythology)|enormous serpent]] at [[Delphi]] slain by [[Apollo]] in [[Greek mythology]]. The [[Specific name (zoology)|specific name]], ''sebae'', is a [[Latinization (literature)|latinization]] of the surname of Dutch zoologist, [[Albertus Seba]].<ref name="Meh87">Mehrtens JM (1987). ''Living Snakes of the World in Color''. New York: Sterling Publishers. {{ISBN|0-8069-6460-X}}.</ref><ref>Beolens, Bo; Watkins, Michael; Grayson, Michael (2011). ''The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles''. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. {{ISBN|978-1-4214-0135-5}}. (''Python sebae'', p. 240).</ref> The [[Subspecies|subspecific name]], ''natalensis'', refers to the [[Natal (region)|Natal]] region of [[South Africa]]. Common name usage varies with both the species and northern subspecies referred to as the African rock python or simply rock python. The southern African rock python is sometimes referred to as the Natal rock python<ref name="Meh87">Mehrtens JM (1987). ''Living Snakes of the World in Color''. New York: Sterling Publishers. {{ISBN|0-8069-6460-X}}.</ref> or the African python.<ref name="Dit33">[[Raymond Ditmars|Ditmars RL]] (1933). ''Reptiles of the World''. Revised Edition. The MacMillan Company.</ref>''

{| class="wikitable"

|+ Subspecies<ref name=itis>{{cite web | title=ITIS Standard Report Page: ''Python sebae'' | url=https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=634785 | work=Integrated Taxonomic Information System | access-date=23 December 2013}}</ref>

!Common name

!Scientific name

!Classified by

!Year

|-

|Northern African rock python

| image2 = ''Python sebae head1sebae''.jpg

|[[Johann Friedrich Gmelin|Gmelin]]

|1788

|-

|Southern African rock python

|''Python sebae natalensis''

|[[Andrew Smith (zoologist)|A. Smith]]

|1833

|}

==Description==

[[File:Albertus Seba Python sebae.jpg|thumb|left|An 18th-century illustration]]

Africa's largest snake species<ref name=Holland>{{cite book|title=Boas and Pythons of the World|year=2007|publisher=New Holland Publishers|___location=London|author=[[Mark O'Shea (herpetologist)|O’Shea M]]|isbn=978-1-84537-544-7|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VDIbbpl_ktgC}}{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref name=Collins>{{cite book|title=Collins Guide to African Wildlife|isbn=000220066X|year=1996|publisher=HarperCollins Publishers|___location=London|vauthors=Alden PC, Estes RD, Schlitter D, McBridge B }}</ref> and one of the world's largest,<ref name="Meh87"/> the Centraltypical African rock python adult measures {{cvtconvert|3|to|3.53|m|ftin|0|abbr=on}} in total length (including tail), with only unusually large specimens likely to exceed {{cvtconvert|4.8|m|ftin|0|abbr=on}}. Reports of specimens over {{cvtconvert|6|m|ftin|0|abbr=on}} are considered reliable, although larger specimens have never been confirmed.<ref name="Mur97">Murphy JC, Henderson RW (1997). ''Tales of Giant Snakes: A Historical Natural History of Anacondas and Pythons''. Krieger Pub. Co. {{ISBN|0-89464-995-7}}.</ref><ref name="Starin" /><ref name=ark11/> Weights are reportedly in the range of {{cvtconvert|5544|to|6555|kg|lb|abbr=on}}, orper more.<ref>{{citeone bookstudy |title=Giantadults Snakesare |date=Marchexpected 2019to |publisher=Murphy,weigh Johnonly C.,up andto Tom Crutchfield |pages=7 |url=https://www.academia.edu/download/59221813/Giant_SnakesSamplePages20190512-111758-7gzr3m.pdf }}{{Dead linkconvert|date=November 2023 32.2|bot=InternetArchiveBot kg|lb|fix-attemptedabbr=yes on}}</ref>. Exceptionally large specimens may weigh {{cvtconvert|91|kg|lb|abbr=on}} or more.<ref>Spawls S, Howell K, Drewes R, Ashe J (2002). ''A Field Guide to Reptiles of East Africa''. San Diego, California: Academic Press.</ref><ref>Spawls S, [[:fr:William Rpy Branch|Branch B]] (1995). ''The Dangerous Snakes of Africa''. South Africa: Southern Book Publishers, Ltd.</ref><ref>{{cite journal | last1 = Ott | first1 = BD | last2 = Secor | first2 = SM | s2cid = 6757894 | year = 2007 | title = Adaptive regulation of digestive performance in the genus ''Python'' | journal = Journal of Experimental Biology | volume = 210 | issue = 2| pages = 340–356 | doi = 10.1242/jeb.02626 | pmid = 17210969 | doi-access = free }}</ref> On average, large adults of Central African rock pythons are quite heavily built, perhaps more so than most specimens of the somewhat longer [[Reticulated python|reticulated]] as well as [[Indian python|Indian]] and [[Burmese python]]s and far more so than the [[amethystineAmethystine python]], although the species is on average less heavily built than the [[green anaconda]]. The African species may be the second heaviest living snake with some authors agreeing that it can exceptionally exceed {{cvtconvert|90|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.<ref>Murphy, J. C., & Henderson, R. W. (1997). ''Tales of giant snakes: a historical natural history of anacondas and pythons''. Florida: Krieger Publishing Company.</ref><ref>{{cite journal | last1 = Vincent | first1 = S. E. | last2 = Dang | first2 = P. D. | last3 = Herrel | first3 = A. | last4 = Kley | first4 = N. J. | year = 2006 | title = Morphological integration and adaptation in the snake feeding system: a comparative phylogenetic study | journal = Journal of Evolutionary Biology | volume = 19 | issue = 5| pages = 1545–1554 | doi = 10.1111/j.1420-9101.2006.01126.x | pmid = 16910984 | s2cid = 4662004 | doi-access = free }}</ref><ref>Bodson, L. (2003). ''A Python (" Python sebae" Gmelin) for the King: The Third Century BC Herpetological Expedition to Aithiopia (Diodorus of Sicily 3.36–37)''. Museum Helveticum, 60(1), 22-38.</ref> One specimen, reportedly {{cvtconvert|7|m|ftin|0|abbr=on}} in length, was killed by K. H. Kroft in 1958 and was claimed to have had a {{cvtconvert|1.5|m|abbr=on}} juvenile [[Nile crocodile]] in its stomach.<ref name = "Wood">{{cite book | author = Wood, Gerald | url = https://archive.org/details/guinnessbookofan00wood | title = The Guinness Book of Animal Facts and Feats | year = 1983 | publisher = Guinness Superlatives | isbn = 978-0-85112-235-9 }}</ref> An even larger specimen considered authentic was shot in [[theThe Gambia]] and measured {{cvtconvert|7.5|m|ftin|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Starin" /><ref name=ark11/>

[[File:Python natalensis Smith 1840.jpg|thumb|right|300px|alt=drawing of snake|An 1840 drawing of the southern African subspecies by Sir Andrew Smith]]

[[File:Brehm VII 331 - Python sebae.png|thumb|right|Illustration by Brehms Thierleben]]

The snake varies considerably in body size between different areas. In general, it is smaller in highly populated regions, such as in southern [[Nigeria]], only reaching its maximum length in areas such as [[Sierra Leone]], where the human population density is lower. [[Sexual dimorphism|Males are typically smaller than females]].<ref name="Starin">{{cite journal |vauthors=Starin ED, Burghardt GM | title = African rock pythons (Python sebae) in the Gambia: observations on natural history and interactions with humans | journal = The Snake | pages = 50–62 | volume = 24 | year = 1992}}</ref>

The Central African rock python's body is thick and covered with colored blotches, often joining up in a broad, irregular stripe. Body markings vary between brown, olive, chestnut, and yellow, but fade to white on the underside.<ref name=Barron>{{cite book|title=Pythons|year=2009|isbn=978-0-7641-4244-4|url=https://archive.org/details/pythonseverythin0000bart|url-access=registration|publisher=Barron’s Educational Series|___location=New York|vauthors=Bartlett PP, Wagner E }}</ref><ref name=Collins /> The head is triangular and is marked on top with a dark brown “spear-head” outlined in buffy yellow. Teeth are many, sharp, and backwardly curved.<ref name=Schmidt>{{cite book|title=Reptiles and Amphibians of Southern Africa|isbn=1-77007-342-6|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=D-T7qkR5K7QC|year=2006|publisher=Struik|___location=Cape Town, South Africa|author=Schmidt W}}{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref name=Collins /> Under the eye, there is a distinctive triangular marking, the [[Ocular scales|subocular mark]].<ref name=Barron /> Like all pythons, the [[Scale (anatomy)|scales]] of the African rock python are small and smooth.<ref name=Collins /><ref name=Branch>{{cite book|title=Field Guide to Snakes and Other Reptiles of Southern Africa|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hs9EzcxkCE4C|isbn=1868720403|year=1998|publisher=Struik|___location=Cape Town, South Africa|author=[[:fr:William Roy Branch|Branch, Bill]]}}{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Those around the lips possess [[Infrared sensing in snakes|heat-sensitive pits]], which are used to detect warm-blooded prey, even in the dark.<ref name=Schmidt /><ref name=Branch /><ref name=Oxford>{{cite book|title=The New Encyclopedia of Reptiles and Amphibians|isbn=0-19-852507-9|year=2002|publisher=Oxford University Press|___location=Oxford|vauthors=Halliday T, Adler K }}</ref> Pythons also possess two functioning lungs, unlike more advanced snakes, which have only one, and also have small, visible [[pelvic spur]]s, believed to be the vestiges of hind limbs.<ref name=Branch /><ref name=Oxford />

The southern subspecies is distinguished by its smaller size (adults typically about 2.4 to 4.4 m in length), smaller scales on top of the head, and a smaller or absent subocular mark.<ref name=Holland /><ref name=Barron />

{{multiple image

| align = left

{{Gallery

| image1 = Python natalensis-Head.jpg

| width1lines = 175px4

| alt1width = 200

| caption1height = 267

| align = leftcenter

| image2 = Python sebae head1'.jpg

|File:Python natalensis baby Koedoesdraai1.33aspect.jpg|alt2=snake in trees|Juvenile, southern African subspecies: Note the small scales on the top of the head and the comparatively reduced markings on the side of the head.

| width2 = 175px

|File:Python sebae head2a.jpg|alt3=head of snake|Head of African subspecies: Note the large scales on the top of the head.

| alt2 =

| caption2 =

| footer = Cephalic features of the Southern African rock python (''Python natalensis'', left) and the Central African rock python (''Python sebae'', on the right).

}}

The Southern African rock python and the Central African rock python differ in the following ways:

*The southern has a colouration that is similar to its northern relative, however it is described as being more "drabber".<ref name=RDB2>{{Cite web|url= https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Python&species=natalensis|title=Python natalensis|website=Reptile-database.reptarium.cz|access-date=5 June 2022}}</ref>

*''P. sebae'' has two prominent light lines from the nose, over the eye to the back of the head, which are much duller in ''P. natalensis''.<ref name=RDB2/><ref name="b123">{{cite web|url=https://www.africansnakebiteinstitute.com/articles/snake-comparison-african-rock-python-vs-southern-african-python/|title=Snake Comparison – African Rock Python vs Southern African Python|date=25 June 2019 }}</ref>

*The northern species has considerably larger head scales.<ref name=RDB2/>

*Also, ''P. natalensis'' is typically smaller in size relative to ''P. sebae''.<ref name="b123" /> ''P. natalensis'' reaches an average length of between 2.8 and 4 metres<ref name="Spawls">p. Spawls, K Howell, R Drewes, J Ashe: ''A Field Guide to the Reptiles of East Africa''. Academic Press, London 2002, {{ISBN|0-12-656470-1}}, pp. 305–310.</ref> (max.size measured 5.8 meters.<ref name="Branch2">W. R. Branch, W. D. Haacke: ''A Fatal Attack on a Young Boy by an African Rock Python Python sebae''. Journal of Herpetology Vol.14, No.3, 1980, pp. 305–307.</ref>) and, while ''P. sebae'' with an average length between 2.7 and 4.6 meters long<ref name="Pitman">C.R.S. Pitman: ''A guide to the snakes of Uganda''. Codicote Wheldon & Wesley, Ltd, 1974, {{ISBN|0-85486-020-7}}, pp. 67–71.</ref> (max.size measured 6.5 meters.<ref name="Branch2"/>).

*In ''P. natalensis'', the dark patch in front of and posterior to the eye is paler and narrower than in ''P. sebae'', giving the appearance of a dark stripe as opposed to a yellow stripe at the level of the eye.<ref name=RDB2/>

==Distribution and habitat==

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

The Central African rock python is found throughout almost the whole of sub-Saharan Africa,<ref name=ark9>{{cite journal|author1=[[:fr:William Roy Branch|Branch WR]], Hacke 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|issue=3|pages=305–307|doi=10.2307/1563557}}</ref> from [[Senegal]] east to [[Ethiopia]] and [[Somalia]] and south to [[Namibia]] and South Africa.<ref name=CITES>{{cite web|title=CITES|url=http://www.cites.org/|publisher=CITES}}</ref><ref name=Collins /> ''P.Python sebae sebae'' ranges across central and western Africa, while ''P. s. natalensis'' has a more eastern and southerly range, from southern [[Kenya]] to South Africa.<ref name=Holland />

In 2009, a Centralan African rock python was found in the [[Everglades|Florida Everglades]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nbc-2.com/Global/story.asp?S=12226516 |access-date=5 April 2012|publisher=WBBH (NBC-2 News)|title=Largest African Rock Python caught in Everglades|archive-date=21 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150721140750/http://www.nbc-2.com/Global/story.asp?S=12226516|url-status=dead}}</ref> It is feared to be establishing itself as an [[invasive species]] alongside the already-established [[Burmese python]]. Feral rock pythons were also noted in the 1990s in the Everglades.<ref name="Mur97"/>

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"/>

{{Gallery

| title = Rock python habitats

| alt2lines = 2

| width = 240

| height = 180

| align = center

|File:DjoudjPython.JPG|alt1=snake in grass|Central African rock pythonsubspecies, [[Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary|Senegal National Park]]

|File:African Rock Python constrictingnatalensis aBotswana Cormorant, Lake Naivasha, Kenyawater.jpg|alt2=snake in weeds near water|CentralSouthern African rocksubspecies, pythonedge afterof huntingthe a[[Cuando River]], cormorantBotswana

|File:Python sebaenatalensis wateringG. hole,J. Fathala Reserve, Karang, SenegalAlexander.jpgJPG|alt3=snake inon waterrocks|Adult CentralSouthern African rock python at the edge of a watering holesubspecies in Fathala Reserve, at Karang just north of the border to Gambia, Senegalwild

}}

==Ecology and biology==

===Feeding===

Like all pythons, the Central African rock python is non-venomous and kills by constriction.<ref name=Schmidt /><ref name=Oxford /> After gripping the prey, the snake coils around it, tightening its coils every time the victim breathes out. Death is thought to be caused by cardiac arrest rather than by asphyxiation or crushing.<ref name=Schmidt /> The African rock python feeds on a variety of large rodents, monkeys, warthogs, antelopes, vultures, fruit bats, monitor lizards, crocodiles, and more in forest areas,<ref name=Collins /> and on rats, poultry, dogs, and goats in suburban areas. It will sometimes take fish as well.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Python_sebae/|title = Python sebae (African Rock Python)| website=[[Animal Diversity Web]] }}</ref> Occasionally, it may eat the cubs of big cats such as leopards, lions, and cheetahs, cubs of hyenas, and puppies of wild dogs such as jackals and Cape hunting dogs.{{Citation needed|date=August 2015}}. However, these encounters are very rare, as the adult cats can easily kill pythons or fend them off.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Sandeep|first=Sharma|year=2004|title=An observation on suspected death of Indian Rock Python (Python molurus molurus) because of Jungle Cat (Felis chaus)|url=http://www.zoosprint.org/ZoosPrintNewsLetter/RepRap6%20Sep04.pdf|journal=South Asian Reptile Network Newsletter|volume=6|pages=1|access-date=2017-01-12|archive-date=2016-04-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401231545/http://zoosprint.org/ZoosPrintNewsLetter/RepRap6%20Sep04.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=ark11>{{cite journal|vauthors=Luiselli L, Angelici FM, Akani GC |year=2001|title=Food habits of ''Python sebae'' in suburban and natural habitats|journal=African Journal of Ecology|volume=39|issue=1 |pages=116–118|doi=10.1111/j.1365-2028.2001.00269.x|bibcode=2001AfJEc..39..116L }}</ref> On March 1, 2017, a 3.9-m (12-ft. 10-in) African rock python was filmed eating a largesmall adult malefemale spotted hyena weighing {{cvtconvert|150120|lb|kg|-1|abbr=on|order=flip}}. This encounter suggests that the snake might very well be capable of hunting and killing larger and more dangerous animals than previously thought.<ref>{{cite web |url=httpshttp://wwwnews.nationalgeographic.com/animals2017/article03/snakes-pythons-africa-hyena-kill |title = Watch First-Ever Video of Python Swallowing Hyena| website=[[National Geographic Society]] | date=15 March 2017 }}/</ref> The largest ever recorded meal of any snake was when a 4.9m African Rock Python consumed a 59-kg impala.<ref>{{Cite book|title=encyclopedia of LIFE|publisher=Miles Kelly|year=2017|isbn=978-1-78617-327-0|pages=227}}</ref>

[[File:Python's picnic - Flickr - mango atchar.jpg|thumb|right|Constricting a pregnant goat]]

{{Gallery

| title = Rock python feeding behavior

| lines = 1

| width = 350

| height = 233

| align = center

[[|File:Python's picnicnatalensis -constricts Flickra - mangogoat, atcharZimbabwe2.jpg|thumb|right|Constricting a pregnant goat]]

|File:Python natalensis Antelope South Africa.jpg|Stretching to consume an antelope

}}

===Reproduction===

Reproduction occurs in the spring.<ref name="Meh87"/> Central African rock pythons are [[Oviparity|oviparious]], laying between 20 and 100 hard-shelled, elongated eggs in an old animal burrow, termite mound, or cave.<ref name=Holland /><ref name=Collins /> The female shows a surprising level of maternal care, coiling around the eggs, protecting them from predators, and possibly helping to incubate them, until they hatch around 90 days later.<ref name=Holland /><ref name=Schmidt /><ref name=Collins /> The female guards the hatchlings for up to two weeks after they hatch from their eggs to protect them from predators in a manner unusual for snakes in general and pythons in particular.<ref name="Alexander">{{cite book | last = Alexander| first = Graham |author2=Johan Marais | title = A Guide to the Reptiles of Southern Africa| publisher = Struik Publishers | year = 2008| isbn = 978-1-77007-386-9 }}</ref>

[[File:Hatchling Python sebae Tropicario, FIN 1.jpg|thumb|Central African rock python emerging from egg]]

Reproduction occurs in the spring.<ref name="Meh87"/> Central African rock pythons are [[Oviparity|oviparious]], laying between 20 and 100 hard-shelled, elongated eggs in an old animal burrow, termite mound, or cave.<ref name=Holland /><ref name=Collins /> The female shows a surprising level of maternal care, coiling around the eggs, protecting them from predators, and possibly helping to incubate them, until they hatch around 90 days later.<ref name=Holland /><ref name=Schmidt /><ref name=Collins /> The female guards the hatchlings for up to two weeks after they hatch from their eggs to protect them from predators in a manner unusual for snakes in general and pythons in particular.<ref name="Alexander">{{cite book | last = Alexander| first = Graham |author2=Johan Marais | title = A Guide to the Reptiles of Southern Africa| publisher = Struik Publishers | year = 2008| isbn = 978-1-77007-386-9 }}</ref>

Hatchlings are between {{cvtconvert|45|and|60|cm|in|round=0.5|abbr=on}} in length and appear virtually identical to adults, except with more contrasting colors.<ref name="Meh87"/> Individuals may live over 12 years in captivity.<ref name=Bartlett>{{cite book|title=Reptiles, Amphibians, and Invertebrates: An Identification and Care Guide|year=2001|publisher=Barron’s Educational Series|___location=New York|vauthors=Bartlett PP, Griswold B, Bartlett RD |url=https://archive.org/details/reptilesamphibia00patr|url-access=registration|isbn=0-7641-1650-9}}</ref>

{{Gallery

| title = Rock python egg development

| lines = 1

| width = 240

| height = 180

| align = center

|File:Female Python sebae brooding eggs Tropicario, FIN.jpg|alt1=snake around eggs|<center>Brooding eggs</center>

[[|File:Hatchling Python sebae Tropicario, FIN 1.jpg|thumb|Central African rock pythonalt2=snake emerging from egg]]|<center>Hatching</center>

|File:Hatchling Python sebae Tropicario, FIN 2.jpg|alt3=little snake next to egg, slime on it|<center>Newborn</center>

}}

==Human interaction==

===Attacks===

[[File:Bundesarchiv Bild 105-DOA0917, Deutsch-Ostafrika, Riesenschlange2.jpg|thumb|right|300px|alt=black and white photo, showing three African men dressed in loincloths holding an outstretched snake|Early 1900s, German East Africa]]

Documented attacks on humans are exceptionally rare, despite the species being common in many regions of Africa, and living in diverse habitats including those with agricultural activity.<ref name=ark9/> Few deaths are well-substantiated, with no reports of a human being consumed.<ref name=ark9/> Large specimens (which are more common in Western Africa) "would have no difficulty in eating adult humans.",<ref name=ark9/> thoughThough it would have to be a small adult human.

==== Well-substantiated attacks ====

* A scholarly article published in 1980 said no prior well-substantiated fatalities were reported of humans killed by Central African rock pythons, and the only prior such attack by any type of python or boa was by a reticulated python in 1927.<ref name=ark9/>

* In 1979 in [[Waterberg District Municipality|Waterberg District]], Limpopo Province (then Northern Transvaal), South Africa, a {{convert|4.5|-m|feet}} Central African rock python killed a 13-year-old boy.<ref name=ark9/> The victim died due to suffocation and internal injuries; his body was released by the python after intervention by an adult man some 20 minutes after the attack began.<ref name=ark9/> The victim's head was covered in saliva, and scientists thought "it could have easily succeeded in swallowing" the {{convert|1.3|-m|feet}}, {{Convert|45|-kg}} boy had it not been interrupted.<ref name=ark9/>

* In 1999 in [[Centralia, Illinois]], a 3-year-old boy was suffocated during the night by an escaped {{convert|7.5|ft|adj=on|abbr=on|order=flip}} pet African rock python.<ref name=chitrib>{{cite news| work=Chicago Tribune | title=Centralia family's python suffocates 3-year-old boy | date=30 August 1999 | url=httpshttp://wwwarticles.chicagotribune.com/1999/-08/-30/centralianews/9908310009_1_snake-familysboy-pythons-suffocatesbody-3-year-old-boy/coroner | access-date=31 March 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=AGN: Couple acquitted in child's death by python|url=http://amarillo.com/stories/2000/03/25/usn_LA0687.shtml |date=25 March 2000|work=Amarillo Globe-News}}</ref> Bite marks around the boy's neck and ears may have resulted from an attempt to swallow him.<ref name=chitrib/>

* In 2013 in [[Campbellton, New Brunswick|Campbellton]], New Brunswick, Canada, two brothers aged four and six were reportedly killed by a {{convert|14|to|16|ft|adj=on|abbr=on|order=flip}}, {{convert|45|kg|adj=on|abbr=on}} Central African rock python kept by a pet shop owner.<ref name=cbc01>{{cite news| title=Reports into boys' python deaths still under wraps | work=CBC News | publisher=[[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation]] | date=12 September 2013 | url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/reports-into-boys-python-deaths-still-under-wraps-1.1706099| access-date=31 March 2018}}</ref><ref name=boesveld/> The circumstances of the incident prompted some skepticism from experts not involved in the case.,<ref name=boesveld>{{cite news | title='Very, very strange': Snake handlers, experts baffled by New Brunswick python attack | date=6 August 2013 | last=Boesveld | first=Sarah | work=National Post | publisher=Postmedia Network Inc. | url=http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/08/06/very-very-strange-snake-handlers-experts-baffled-by-new-brunswick-python-attack/ }}</ref> An autopsy showed that the boys died of asphyxiation,<ref name=cbc01/> which does not fit with how constricting snakes kill.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Gill|first=Victoria|title=Boa constrictors' lethal secret revealed|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-33625080|work=BBC News|date=23 July 2015|access-date=1 April 2018}}</ref> The owner was charged with [[criminal negligence]] for not adequately protecting the boys from the snake.<ref name=thestarcharged>{{cite news | title=Man charged in python asphyxiation death of boys| url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2015/03/31/man-charged-in-python-asphyxiation-death-of-boys.html | publisher=Toronto Star | date=March 31, 2015 | access-date=March 31, 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://news.sky.com/story/man-charged-over-brothers-killed-by-python-10365431 |title=Man Charged over Brothers Killed byArchived Pythoncopy |access-date=2018-04-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806062000/http://news.sky.com/story/man-charged-over-brothers-killed-by-python-10365431 |archive-date=2017-08-06 |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref> ''(See [[2013 New Brunswick python attack|main article]]).''

*In 2017, aan {{convert|8|ft|m|adj=mid|-long|order=flip}} female Central African rock python, kept as a pet in Hampshire, England, was found to have killed its owner by asphyxiation, according to a [[Inquests in England and Wales|coroner's inquest]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Snake owner killed by his pet python|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-42801983|website=BBC News|date=24 January 2018}}</ref>

==== Other reported attacks ====

* In 2002 near [[Durban]], South Africa, a 10-year-old boy was reportedly swallowed by a Centralan African rock python over a three-hour period, as seven other children stayed hidden in a mango tree.<ref name=flanagan/><ref name=ayoob>{{ cite news | title=Boy quiet as snake swallows him | date=23 November 2002 | work=News24 | publisher=24.com | last=Ayoob | first=Zoobair | url=http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/Boy-quiet-as-snake-swallows-him-20021123 }}</ref> The animal was not captured and the story could not be verified, although detailed descriptions of the snake's markings and predation technique were reported to have seemed credible to a local snake park operator.<ref name=flanagan>{{cite news | title=Hunt for giant snake that ate 10-year-old Durban boy whole | last=Flanagan | first=Jane | ___location=Johannesburg | date=24 November 2002 | work=The Telegraph | publisher=Telegraph Media Group Limited | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/southafrica/1414171/Hunt-for-giant-snake-that-ate-10-year-old-Durban-boy-whole.html }}</ref>

* In 2009 in Sabaki Village, [[Malindi District]], Kenya, a male farm manager was reportedly attacked after stepping on a {{cvt|13|ft|m|adj=on}} python, the exact species of which was not determined. After an hour's struggle, he was reportedly dragged up a tree, but then rescued by police and villagers after he was able to call for help on his mobile phone.<ref name=nyassy/><ref name="BBC">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7999909.stm |title=Man bites snake in epic struggle |work=[[BBC News]] |date=15 April 2009 |access-date=15 April 2009}}</ref> The snake was reportedly captured by police, but had escaped and disappeared by the next day.<ref name=nyassy>{{ cite news|title=Man bites snake in hour-long battle to survive |date=14 April 2009 |last=Nyassy |first=Daniel |url=http://www.nation.co.ke/news/-/1056/560504/-/4wvt75z/-/index.html |work=Daily Nation |publisher=Nation Media Group |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224100904/http://www.nation.co.ke/news/-/1056/560504/-/4wvt75z/-/index.html |archive-date=24 December 2013 }}</ref> The man said he bit the snake's tail while he was being attacked and was injured on his lower lip because the tip of the tail was sharp.<ref name=nyassy/>

Line 129 ⟶ 159:

===Conservation===

People are often fearful of large pythons and may kill them on sight.<ref name=Holland /><ref name=ark9/> The Central African rock python ismay also be threatened by hunting for leather in some areas.<ref name=ark14>{{cite journal|vauthors=Luiselli L, Akani GC |year=2002|title= An investigation into the composition, complexity and functioning of snake communities in the mangroves of south-eastern Nigeria|journal= African Journal of Ecology|volume= 40|pages=220–227|doi=10.1046/j.1365-2028.2002.00358.x|issue=3|bibcode=2002AfJEc..40..220L }}</ref> Consequently, it is listed as a [[Near threatened]] species. It is also collected for the pet trade, although it is not generally recommended as a pet due to its large size and unpredictable temperament.<ref name=Bartlett /> Little information is available on levels of international trade in this species.

Some of the Central African rock python's habitats are also known to be under threat. For example, mangrove and rainforest habitats and their snake communities are under serious threat in southeastern Nigeria from habitat destruction and exploration for the oil industry.<ref name=ark14/><ref name=ark15>{{cite journal|vauthors=Akani GC, Barieenee IF, Capizzi D, Luiselli L |s2cid=24757927|year=1999|title=Snake communities of moist rainforest and derived savanna sites of Nigeria: biodiversity patterns and conservation priorities|journal= Biodiversity and Conservation|volume= 8|pages=629–642|doi=10.1023/A:1008849702810|issue=5}}</ref>

[[File:AfricanPython rock pythonnatalensis.JPGjpg|thumb|left|300px|The''P. Centrals. Africannatalensis'', rockMakuleke/Pafuri, python on the road to the south of [[IvindoKruger National Park]], [[Gabon]]South Africa]]

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 speciesIt is heavilynot exploitedcurrently 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 isconsidered at high risk of beingextinction, a threatened species. Itbut 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 /> 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://webwww.archivewebarchive.org.uk/webwayback/archive/2009011421264020090713113907/http://www.unep-wcmc.org/sites/wh/pdf/Serengeti.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=2009-0107-1413 |publisher=UNEP-WCMC }}</ref>

{{Clear}}

In the Florida Everglades, where the Central African rock python is an invasive species and posing a threat to indigenous wildlife, it has no protected status and is one of the species listed on a hunting program recently authorized by state officials to eradicate non-native reptiles, the others being the [[Burmese python]], [[reticulated python]], [[green anaconda]], and [[Nile monitor]].<ref name="UFL-IFAS-wildlife">{{cite web | title=Invader Updater - Legislation | website=Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation | publisher=[[Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences]] (IFAS), UF |date=2010-06-03 | url=http://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/invaderupdater/legislation.shtml | access-date=2022-01-28}}</ref>

=== In culture ===

[[Luo people of Kenya and Tanzania|Luo people]] of [[Kenya]] living mainly in the area near [[Lake Victoria]] generally consider snakes to be evil and believe that [[wikt:jajuok|sorcerers]] make them harm people.<ref name="jhs2006">{{Cite journal|last=Smith|first=James H.|year=2006|jstor=24047925|title=Snake-driven development: Culture, nature and religious conflict in neoliberal Kenya|journal=Ethnography|volume=7|number=4|pages=423&ndash;59|doi=10.1177/1466138106073144|s2cid=220725054}}</ref> TheyTowards pythons, they express a different attitude towards pythons - such as making them appear in play songs and even worshiping them. The Luo call the Central African rock python {{Lang|luo|[[wikt:ng'ielo|ng'ielo]]}} in [[Luo dialect|their language]],<ref>{{Cite book|last1=Kokwaro|first1=John O.|last2=Johns|first2=Timothy|year=1998|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vUC4yJgPtXoC&q=+|title=Luo Biological Dictionary|page=257|___location=Nairobi and Kampala and Dar es Salaam|publisher=East African Educational Publishers|isbn=9966-46-841-2}}</ref> and with the songs containing a phrase {{lang|luo|ng'ielo jadhogre}} “python the coiling”, children make a line and imitate a python's motion.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Miruka|first=Okumba|year=2001|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CxZ3g0VVTg0C&q=jadhogre|title=Oral Literature of the Luo|___location=Nairobi and Kampala and Dar es Salaam|publisher=East African Educational Publishers|isbn=9966-25-086-7}}</ref><ref>Miya, Florence N. (2007). "Using African Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Early Childhood Music Education." In Katharine Smithrim and Rena Upitis (eds.) [https://books.google.comco.jp/books?id=1suCBAAAQBAJ&qdq=jadhogre&hl=en&source=gbs_navlinks_s ''Listen to Their Voices: Research and Practice in Early Childhood Music''], pp. 161&ndash;180. Waterloo, Canada: Canadian Music Educators' Association. {{ISBN|978-0-920630-13-6}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Owen|first=J. W.|year=1959|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=svg5AAAAMAAJ&q=jadhogre|title=Tribal games and dances in African schools|journal=Physical Education|volume=51|pages=16&ndash;20}}</ref> When theThe Luo worshipcall aevery gentle python, theywhich callappears heralmost decade by decade, Omieri (or Omweri) aand returningworship python-spirit.her, Theregarding python is then seenher as a reincarnation of Omieri, Goddess ofa Harvestwoman and linked with rain and fertility.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.okayafrica.com/kenya-omieri-snake-return-home-kisumu-county-luo-people/ |title=Kenyans Rejoice as the Remains of Omieri, the Legendary Snake and Goddess of Harvest, Return Home |last=Durosomo |first=Damola |date=August 3, 2018 |access-date=April 13, 2022}}</ref><ref name="jhs2006" /> OneThe one which appeared in 2003 raised international controversy over how she should be treated, withand coverageparts fromof this fever were later covered by even the [[BBC News]] through the ''[[Daily Nation]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/2840033.stm|title=Kenyans charmed by snake|work=BBC News|date=11 March 2003|access-date=1 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/3033769.stm|title=Kenya python tightens its grip|work=BBC News|date=15 May 2003|access-date=1 April 2018}}</ref><ref name="jhs2006" />

In some parts of eastern Nigeria, particularly in the towns of Idemili in Anambra, the python is revered as a sacred symbol of the deity Eke Idemili. Similarly, in [[Njaba]], the Eke Njaba, a harmless snake regarded as the deity's property, is also held in high esteem. This reverence is so deeply ingrained culturally that even [[Christians]] in these areas have not fully renounced the sacredness of the snake, and any harm to the Eke Njaba requires ritual cleansing or even a proper burial when killed, to avoid the deity's wrath.{{cn|date=September 2024}}

==References==

Line 151 ⟶ 179:

==Further reading==

*[[George Albert Boulenger|Boulenger GA]] (1893). ''Catalogue of the Snakes in the British Museum (Natural History). Volume I., Containing the Families ... Boidæ ...'' London: Trustees of the British Museum (Natural History). (Taylor and Francis, printers). xiii + 448 pp. + Plates I-XXVIII. (''Python sebae'', pp.&nbsp;86–87).

*[[Johann Friedrich Gmelin|Gmelin JF]] (17891788). ''Caroli a Linné Systema Naturae. Editio Decima Tertia'' [13th edition]. ''Tomus 1, Pars 3''. Leipzig: G.E. Beer. 1,896 pp. (''Coluber sebae'', new species, p.&nbsp;1118). (in Latin).

==External links==

{{Commons}}

{{Wikispecies|Python sebae}}

* {{ARKive}}

* {{NRDB species|genus=Python|species=sebae|date=12 September|year=2007}}

{{Pythonidae}}

{{Taxonbar|from=Q764797}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:python, rock, African}}

[[Category:Python (genus)|African rock python]]

[[Category:Snakes of Africa]]

[[Category:Fauna of Sub-Saharan Africa]]

[[Category:Reptiles described in 17891788|African rock python]]

[[Category:Taxa named by Johann Friedrich Gmelin|African rock python]]

[[Category:Reptiles as pets]]

[[Category:Apex predators]]