7/5/2023 0 Comments Constrictor snakes![]() ![]() Exceptionally large specimens may weigh 91 kg (201 lb) or more. Weights are reportedly in the range of 55 to 65 kg (121 to 143 lb) or more. Reports of specimens over 6 m (19 ft 8 in) are considered reliable, although larger specimens have never been confirmed. Common name usage varies with the species referred to as the African rock python or simply the rock python.Īfrica's largest snake species and one of the world's largest, the Central African rock python adult measures 3 to 3.53 m (9 ft 10 in to 11 ft 7 in) in total length (including tail), with only unusually large specimens likely to exceed 4.8 m (15 ft 9 in). ![]() The specific name sebae is a latinization of the surname of Dutch zoologist, Albertus Seba. The generic name Python is a Greek word referring to the enormous serpent at Delphi slain by Apollo in Greek mythology. Therefore, he is also the taxon author of the species. sebae was first described by Johann Friedrich Gmelin, a German naturalist, in 1789. The Central African rock python is in the genus Python, large constricting snakes found in the moist tropics of Asia and Africa. Some cultures in sub-Saharan Africa consider it a delicacy, which may pose a threat to its population. Although the snake is not endangered, it does face threats from habitat reduction and hunting. The snake is widely feared, though it is nonvenomous and very rarely kills humans. Unlike most snakes, the female protects her nest and sometimes even her hatchlings. 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 becomes dormant during the dry season. The snake is found in a variety of habitats, from forests to near deserts, although usually near sources of water. The southern species 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. It is one of 10 living species in the genus Python.Īfrica's largest snake and one of the eight largest snake species in the world (along with the green anaconda, reticulated python, Burmese python, Southern African rock python, Indian python, yellow anaconda and Australian scrub python), specimens may approach or exceed 6 m (20 ft). The species is native to sub-Saharan Africa. ![]() Gestation lasts for up to 150 days, during which time the female does not consume any food.īoa constrictors have poor vision, and therefore rely their specialized heat-sensing cells to locate prey.The Central African rock python ( Python sebae) is a species of large constrictor snake in the family Pythonidae. The female bears live young, and can produce as many as 64 young in one cycle. Mating takes place during the dry season, which usually occurs between April and August. Young boa constrictors feed on mice, birds, bats and amphibians. The bulk of their diet consists of rodents and lizards. Scales are usually brown, gray or cream in base color with red-brown spots that are more pronounced near the tail.īoa constrictors prey on a variety of small to medium sized mammals and birds. They are heavy-bodied, with the largest specimens reaching up to 60 pounds. They are mainly terrestrial and commonly live in hollow logs and abandoned mammal burrows.ĭepending on location and available prey, boa constrictors can reach lengths anywhere from 3 to 13 feet. As a capable swimmer, they are also found along rivers and streams. Native to the tropical forests of Central and South America, boa constrictors prefer warm, humid environments. ![]()
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