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African Rock Python
Scientific Name:
Python sebae
Habitat:
Grasslands and savanna near water, and occasionally forest edges
Range:
Sub-Saharan Africa
Average Size:
Length: up to 20–30 feet
Weight: can reach 250 pounds
Description:
African rock pythons are tan with brown patches outlined by black — often with some irregular green blotches. This species, one of the largest in the world, is nonvenomous.
Animal:
The exhibit is home to Bob, a 20-year-old African rock python. Bob arrived at the Oregon Zoo in 1996 from Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek, Mich.
Life Span:
Up to 30 years in captivity
Diet:
In the wild, young pythons eat mostly small rodents and birds, while adult pythons eat small antelopes, warthogs, dogs, monkeys, waterfowl, goats and crocodiles.
Status in the Wild:
The African rock python is listed as "vulnerable" in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. (CITES is an international treaty controlling the trade of threatened and endangered plants and animals.) Agriculture and urban development have reduced its range.
Behavior:
This species of python is highly dependent on water and is dormant during the dry season. It often submerges itself near the banks of a stream and waits for prey. The rock python is nonvenomous and kills by suffocation. Adult pythons can be very dangerous, as this species is known for its bad temper and willingness to bite.
Reproduction:
The female rock python lays up to 100 eggs and defends them aggressively. Incubation lasts two to three months. At hatching, young pythons are 18 to 24 inches long.
Amazing facts:
The rock python is the largest species of snake in Africa!
How You Can Help:
You can help the African rock python and other species by joining the volunteer team at the Oregon Zoo and getting involved with other conservation groups. Many organizations focus on conservation in Africa, including the African Wildlife Foundation, Tusk Trust, Conserve Africa International, the World Wildlife Fund, the Wildlife Awareness Foundation and the Endangered Wildlife Trust. Please do not buy products made from wild animal parts.
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