African Rock Python

The African Rock Python is a large snake reaching a maximum length of around 6.5 m. It feeds largely on warm-blooded prey like small antelope, monkeys, game birds and dassies, but also takes leguaans and even crocodiles.

Full Name: African Rock Python (Python sebae)

Classification: CAN INFLICT A NASTY BITE

Map indicating the distribution of the African Rock Python (Python sebae) within Africa.

The African Rock Python is a large snake reaching a maximum length of around 6.5 m. It feeds largely on warm-blooded prey like small antelope, monkeys, game birds and dassies, but also takes leguaans and even crocodiles. Attacks on humans are rare and fatalities virtually unheard of. This snake is largely active at night, but it is fond of basking during the day. It is at home in water and can remain submerged for long periods.

Females produce 16 – 100 eggs, which are roughly the size of a tennis ball. The female remains with her eggs throughout incubation and the young measure 50 – 70 cm in length.

African Snakebite Institute