Jump to content

Central African rock python: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
→‎Reproduction: add gallery
(109 intermediate revisions by 4 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Taxobox
{{Taxobox
| name = ''Python sebae''
| name = ''Python sebae''
| image = Python_sebae.jpg
| image = Albertus Seba Python sebae.jpg
| image_width = 220px
| regnum = [[Animalia]]
| regnum = [[Animalia]]
| phylum = [[Chordata]]
| phylum = [[Chordata]]
Line 13: Line 14:
| binomial = ''Python sebae''
| binomial = ''Python sebae''
| binomial_authority = ([[Johann Friedrich Gmelin|Gmelin]], 1788)
| binomial_authority = ([[Johann Friedrich Gmelin|Gmelin]], 1788)
| synonyms = * ''Coluber Sebae'' - Gmelin, 1788
| synonyms = {{hidden begin|title=Synonymy}}
* ''Coluber Sebae'' - Gmelin, 1788
* ''C''[''oluber'']. ''Speciosus'' - Bonnaterre, 1790
* ''C''[''oluber'']. ''Speciosus'' - Bonnaterre, 1790
* ''Boa Hieroglyphica'' - Schneider, 1801
* ''Boa Hieroglyphica'' - Schneider, 1801
Line 26: Line 28:
* ''Python sebae'' - Branch, 1991
* ''Python sebae'' - Branch, 1991
* ''Python sebae'' - Kluge, 1993<ref name="McD99">McDiarmid RW, Campbell JA, Touré T. 1999. Snake Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference, vol. 1. Herpetologists' League. 511 pp. ISBN 1-893777-00-6 (series). ISBN 1-893777-01-4 (volume).</ref>
* ''Python sebae'' - Kluge, 1993<ref name="McD99">McDiarmid RW, Campbell JA, Touré T. 1999. Snake Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference, vol. 1. Herpetologists' League. 511 pp. ISBN 1-893777-00-6 (series). ISBN 1-893777-01-4 (volume).</ref>
{{hidden end}}
}}
}}


:'''''Common names:''' African rock python, rock python,<ref name="Meh87">Mehrtens JM. 1987. Living Snakes of the World in Color. New York: Sterling Publishers. 480 pp. ISBN 0-8069-6460-X.</ref> African python.<ref name="Dit33">Ditmars RL. 1933. Reptiles of the World. Revised Edition. The MacMillan Company. 329 pp. 89 plates.</ref>''
:'''''Common names:''' African rock python, rock python,<ref name="Meh87">Mehrtens JM. 1987. Living Snakes of the World in Color. New York: Sterling Publishers. 480 pp. ISBN 0-8069-6460-X.</ref> African python.<ref name="Dit33">Ditmars RL. 1933. Reptiles of the World. Revised Edition. The MacMillan Company. 329 pp. 89 plates.</ref>''
'''''Python sebae''''' is a nonvenomous [[Pythonidae|python]] [[species]] found in subsaharan [[Africa]]. This is one of the world's largest species of snakes. Two [[subspecies]] are currently recognized, including the nominate subspecies described here.<ref name="ITIS">{{ITIS |id=634785 |taxon=''Python sebae'' |accessdate=12 September 2007}}</ref>
'''''Python sebae''''' is a nonvenomous [[Pythonidae|python]] [[species]] found in subsaharan [[Africa]]. This is one of the world's largest species of snakes. Two [[subspecies]] are currently recognized.<ref name="ITIS">{{ITIS |id=634785 |taxon=''Python sebae'' |accessdate=12 September 2007}}</ref>


==Taxonomy and etymology==
==Taxonomy and etymology==

''Python sebae'' was first described by [[Johann Friedrich Gmelin]] in 1788. Its [[genera|generic]] name ''Python'' is a [[Greek language|Greek]] word ''Πύθων'' referring to the enormous serpent at [[Delphi]] slain by [[Apollo]] in [[Greek Mythology]]. Its specific name ''sebae'' is a [[Latinization (literature)|Latinized]] genitive form of Dutch zoologist, [[Albertus Seba]]'s last name.<ref name="Meh87"/>
The African rock python (''Python sabae'') is one of seven species of python, a genus of large constricting snakes found in the moist tropics of Asia and Africa. The African rock python is divided into two subspecies, ''Python sabae sabae'' (also called the African rock python) and ''Python sabae natalis'' (the southern African rock python). Some consider the more southerly population of this snake to be a separate species, Python natalensis,<ref name=Holland></ref><ref name=Schmidt></ref> while others consider this form to be a subspecies.<ref name=Barron></ref><ref name=CITES>{{cite web|title=CITES|url=http://www.cites.org/|publisher=CITES}}</ref>

''Python sebae'' was first described by [[Johann Friedrich Gmelin]] in 1788. He also first identified the sabae subspecies. The southern subspecies was first identified by [[Andrew Smith (zoologist)|Sir Andrew Smith]] in 1833.

''Python'' is a [[Greek language|Greek]] word referring to the enormous serpent at [[Delphi]] slain by [[Apollo]] in [[Greek Mythology]]. ''Sebae'' is a [[Latinization (literature)|Latinization]] of Dutch zoologist, [[Albertus Seba]].<ref name="Meh87"/> Natalensis refers to the [[Natal, South Africa|Natal]] region of [[South Africa]]. Common name usage varies with both the species and northern subspecies referred to as African rock python or simply rock python. The Southern African rock python is sometimes referred to as the Natal rock python.

;Subspecies

{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Common name
!Scientific Name
!Classified by
!Year
!References
|-
|African rock python
|''Python sebae sebae''
|[[Johann Friedrich Gmelin|Gmelin]]
|[[1788]]
|<ref name="Meh87"/>, <ref name="ITIS"/>
|-
|Southern African rock python
|''Python sebae natalensis''
|[[Andrew Smith (zoologist)|Smith]]
|[[1833]]
|<ref name="Meh87"/>, <ref name="ITIS"/>
|}
{{-}}


==Description==
==Description==

[[File:Python natalensis Smith 1840.jpg|thumb|left|300px|alt=drawing of snake|1840 drawing of southern species by Sir Andrew Smith]]

This is one of the world's largest species of snakes,<ref name="Meh87"/> with adults reaching lengths of over 6&nbsp;m (20&nbsp;ft). The typical adult length is 4.8&nbsp;m (16&nbsp;ft) and rumors of specimens over 6&nbsp;m (20&nbsp;ft) are generally considered reliable, but 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. 221 pp. ISBN 0-89464-995-7.</ref>
This is one of the world's largest species of snakes,<ref name="Meh87"/> with adults reaching lengths of over 6&nbsp;m (20&nbsp;ft). The typical adult length is 4.8&nbsp;m (16&nbsp;ft) and rumors of specimens over 6&nbsp;m (20&nbsp;ft) are generally considered reliable, but 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. 221 pp. ISBN 0-89464-995-7.</ref>


The color pattern is typically [[brown]], with [[olive (color)|olive]] and [[tan (color)|tan]] irregular blotching, fading to white on the underside. At a glance, they can be easily mistaken for the Burmese python, ''[[Python molurus bivittatus|P. m. bivittatus]]'', but the two species are not closely related.
The color pattern is typically brown, with olive and tan irregular blotching, fading to white on the underside. At a glance, they can be easily mistaken for the Burmese python, ''[[Python molurus bivittatus|P. m. bivittatus]]'', but the two species are not closely related.


Africa’s largest snake,<ref name=Collins>{{cite book|title=Collins Guide to African Wildlife|year=1996|publisher=HarperCollins Publishers|location=London|author=Alden, P.C., Estes, R.D., Schlitter, D. and McBridge, B}}</ref><ref name=Holland>{{cite book|title=Boas and Pythons of the World|year=2007|publisher=New Holland Publishers|location=London|author=O’Shea, M.}}</ref> the African rock python (Python sebae) has a long, stout body, patterned with blotches that vary in colour between brown, olive, chestnut and buffy yellow, often joining up in a broad, irregular stripe.<ref name=Collins></ref><ref name=Barron>{{cite book|title=Pythons|year=1997|publisher=Barron’s Educational Series|location=New York|author=Bartlett, P.P. and Wagner, E.}}</ref> The triangular head has many sharp, backwardly curved teeth and is marked on top with a dark brown “spear-head” outlined in buffy yellow.<ref name=Collins></ref><ref name=Schmidt>{{cite book|title=Reptiles and Amphibians of Southern Africa|year=2006|publisher=Struik|location=Cape Town, South Africa|author=Schmidt, W.}}</ref> Under the eye is a distinctive triangular marking, known as a subocular mark.<ref name=Barron></ref> Like all pythons, the scales of the African rock python are small and smooth,<ref name=Collins></ref><ref name=Branch>{{cite book|title=Field Guide to Snakes and Other Reptiles of Southern Africa|year=1998|publisher=Struik|location=Cape Town, South Africa|author=Branch, B. and Branch, W.R.}}</ref> and those around the lips possess heat-sensitive pits, which are used to detect warm-blooded prey, even in the dark.<ref name=Schmidt></ref><ref name=Branch></ref><ref name=Oxford>{{cite book|title=The New Encyclopedia of Reptiles and Amphibians|year=2002|publisher=Oxford University Press|location=Oxford|author=Halliday, T. and Adler, K.}}</ref> Pythons also possess two functioning lungs, unlike more ‘advanced’ snakes which have only one, and also have small, visible pelvic ‘spurs’, believed to be the vestiges of hind limbs.<ref name=Branch></ref><ref name=Oxford></ref>
==Geographic range==


The African rock python 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(2). The southern form is distinguished by its smaller size (adults averaging about 2.4 to 4.4 metres in length), larger scales on top of the head, darker colouration, markings on the back that are well separated blotches rather than an irregular stripe, and a smaller or absent subocular mark.<ref name=Holland></ref><ref name=Barron></ref>
[[Image:Rock python crop.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Southern African Python (Python sebae natalensis)]]

{{Image gallery
|lines=1
|width=250
|height=250
|align=center
|Adult Female Python sebae.jpg|very fat big snake|<center>Adult female, northern subspecies</center>
|Python natalensis baby Koedoesdraai.jpg|snake in trees|<center>Juvenile, southern subspecies<center>
|Python sebae head2a.jpg|head of snake|<center>Head of southern subspecies</center>
}}

==Distribution==

[[File:Natural Range of Python sebae and natalensis.svg|thumb|right|Geographic range of the ''Python sebae'']]


Found in Africa south of the [[Sahara]] from Senegal east to [[Ethiopia]] and [[Somalia]], including [[Guinea-Bissau]], Mali, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, [[Burkina Faso|Upper Volta]], Ghana, [[Togo]], Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon, [[Equatorial Guinea]], Chad, Central African Republic, [[Democratic Republic of the Congo]], Angola, [[Rwanda]], [[Burundi]], Sudan, Uganda, [[Kenya]], [[Tanzania]], [[Zambia]], [[Malawi]], [[Mozambique]], [[Zimbabwe]] south to northern [[Namibia]], [[Botswana]] and northeastern [[South Africa]] (to [[Natal Province|Natal]]). Extirpated from eastern [[Cape Province]] in 1927. The [[Type locality (biology)|type locality]] given is "America" -- an obvious mistake. According to Loveridge (1936), no type locality was given. According to Stimson (1969) it was "Guiara, Brazil."<ref name="McD99"/>
Found in Africa south of the [[Sahara]] from Senegal east to [[Ethiopia]] and [[Somalia]], including [[Guinea-Bissau]], Mali, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, [[Burkina Faso|Upper Volta]], Ghana, [[Togo]], Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon, [[Equatorial Guinea]], Chad, Central African Republic, [[Democratic Republic of the Congo]], Angola, [[Rwanda]], [[Burundi]], Sudan, Uganda, [[Kenya]], [[Tanzania]], [[Zambia]], [[Malawi]], [[Mozambique]], [[Zimbabwe]] south to northern [[Namibia]], [[Botswana]] and northeastern [[South Africa]] (to [[Natal Province|Natal]]). Extirpated from eastern [[Cape Province]] in 1927. The [[Type locality (biology)|type locality]] given is "America" -- an obvious mistake. According to Loveridge (1936), no type locality was given. According to Stimson (1969) it was "Guiara, Brazil."<ref name="McD99"/>

The African rock python is found throughout almost the whole of sub-Saharan Africa (9), from Senegal east to Ethiopia and Somalia and south to Namibia and South Africa.<ref name=CITES></ref><ref name=Collins></ref> Python sebae sebae ranges across central and western Africa, while Python sebae natalensis has a more eastern and southerly range, from southern Kenya to South Africa.<ref name=Holland></ref>


In 2009, the African rock python was found in the [[Everglades|Florida Everglades]], and is feared to be establishing itself as an invasive species alongside the already-established [[Burmese Python]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Officials fear African python invading Florida's Everglades |author=David Fleshler |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=September 27, 2009 |url=http://articles.latimes.com/2009/sep/27/nation/na-python27 }}</ref>
In 2009, the African rock python was found in the [[Everglades|Florida Everglades]], and is feared to be establishing itself as an invasive species alongside the already-established [[Burmese Python]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Officials fear African python invading Florida's Everglades |author=David Fleshler |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=September 27, 2009 |url=http://articles.latimes.com/2009/sep/27/nation/na-python27 }}</ref>


==Habitat==
Typically associated with grassland and savannah habitat, not too far from water (rivers, streams, marshes), sometimes entering the edges of forests. Often occur in or near cane fields.<ref name="Meh87"/>
Typically associated with grassland and savannah habitat, not too far from water (rivers, streams, marshes), sometimes entering the edges of forests. Often occur in or near cane fields.<ref name="Meh87"/>


The African rock python inhabits a wide range of habitats, including savanna woodland and grassland, forest, savanna, semi-desert, rocky areas and the edges of swamps, lakes and rivers,<ref name=Collins></ref><ref name=Holland></ref> being particularly associated with areas of permanent water(10).<ref name=Barron></ref> It also readily adapts to disturbed habitats and so is often found around human habitation (9).
==Conservation status==

While not considered [[endangered species|endangered]] or [[threatened species|threatened]], this species is listed as a [[CITES]] Appendix II species, which puts restrictions on its exportation around the world. The primary reason for this is because their skin is used in the [[leather]] industry, frequently being made into [[shoe]]s, [[belt (clothing)|belt]]s, and [[Handbag|purse]]s.
{{Image gallery
|title=Rock python habitats
|lines=1
|width=300
|height=225
|align=center
|DjoudjPython.JPG|snake in grass|<center>Northern subspecies, Senegal National Park</center>
|Python natalensis Botswana water.jpg|snake in weeds near water|<center>Southern subspecies, Cuando River, Botswana<center>
|Python natalensis G. J. Alexander.JPG|snake on rocks|<center>Southern subspecies in the wild</center>
}}


==Behavior==
==Behavior==
They are highly dependent on sources of water, and [[estivation|estivate]] during the hottest and driest parts of the year, remaining deep in burrows made by other animals. This species is noted for its bad temperament and readiness to bite if harassed. This is in contrast to the Burmese python, ''[[Python molurus|P. molurus]]'', which is typically docile except when food is near.
They are highly dependent on sources of water, and [[estivation|estivate]] during the hottest and driest parts of the year, remaining deep in burrows made by other animals. This species is noted for its bad temperament and readiness to bite if harassed. This is in contrast to the Burmese python, ''[[Python molurus|P. molurus]]'', which is typically docile except when food is near.


Like all pythons, the African rock python is non-venomous and kills its prey by constriction.<ref name=Schmidt></ref><ref name=Oxford></ref> 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></ref> The African rock python feeds on a variety of large rodents, monkeys, antelopes, fruit bats, monitor lizards and even crocodiles in forest areas,<ref name=Collins></ref> (11) and on rats, poultry, dogs and goats in suburban areas (11). A few cases are also known of this python hunting humans.<ref name=Luiselli>{{cite book|title=Pers. comm|year=2009|author=Luiselli, L.}}</ref>
==Feeding==

They are opportunistic feeders, and will consume almost any animal that they come across and can overpower by [[constriction]]. Young pythons eat primarily small [[rodent]]s, which makes them popular with local farmers for reducing the populations of species harmful to crops, like the [[cane rat]]. However, adults are capable of taking very large prey, including young [[crocodile]]s, [[goat]]s, [[gazelle]]s, [[warthogs]], and even [[humans]], making them potentially very dangerous.
They are opportunistic feeders, and will consume almost any animal that they come across and can overpower by [[constriction]]. Young pythons eat primarily small [[rodent]]s, which makes them popular with local farmers for reducing the populations of species harmful to crops, like the [[cane rat]]. However, adults are capable of taking very large prey, including young [[crocodile]]s, [[goat]]s, [[gazelle]]s, [[warthogs]], and even [[humans]], making them potentially very dangerous.

{{Image gallery
|title=Rock python feeding behavior
|lines=1
|width=350
|height=250
|align=center
|Python natalensis constricts a goat, Zimbabwe2.jpg|alt|Constricting a pregnant goat
|Python natalensis Antelope South Africa.jpg|alt|Stretching to consume an antelope
}}


==Reproduction==
==Reproduction==

Reproduction occurs in the spring with females laying as many as 100 [[egg (biology)|eggs]] at a time. They guard their eggs aggressively while they incubate for 2–3 months. Hatchlings are between 45–60&nbsp;cm (18-24&nbsp;inches) in length and appear virtually identical to adults, except with more contrasting colors.
Reproduction occurs in the spring with females laying as many as 100 [[egg (biology)|eggs]] at a time. They guard their eggs aggressively while they incubate for 2–3 months. Hatchlings are between 45–60&nbsp;cm (18-24&nbsp;inches) in length and appear virtually identical to adults, except with more contrasting colors.


African rock pythons are oviparous, laying between 20 and 100 hard-shelled, elongated eggs in an old animal burrow, termite mound or cave.<ref name=Collins></ref><ref name=Holland></ref> 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=Collins></ref><ref name=Holland></ref><ref name=Schmidt></ref> Individuals may live for 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|author=Bartlett, P.P., Griswold, B. and Bartlett, R.D.}}</ref>
==Captivity==

This species is commonly the subject of [[captive breeding]] and is readily available in the exotic [[pet]] trade. They adapt well to captivity, feed willingly on commercially available [[rat]]s and [[rabbit]]s. However, their duller coloration and poor temperament generally makes their price lower than that of other python species, while their large size and voracious appetite makes them suitable only for the most experienced of large snake keepers.
{{Image gallery
|title=Rock python egg development
|lines=1
|width=300
|height=200
|align=center
|Female Python sebae brooding eggs Tropicario, FIN.jpg|snake around eggs|<center>Brooding eggs</center>
|Hatchling Python sebae Tropicario, FIN 1.jpg|snake emerging from egg|<center>Hatching<center>
|Hatchling Python sebae Tropicario, FIN 2.jpg|little snake next to egg, slime on it|<center>Newborn</center>
}}

==Human interaction==

[[File:Bundesarchiv Bild 105-DOA0917, Deutsch-Ostafrika, Riesenschlange2.jpg|thumb|300px|right|alt|Early 1900s, German East Africa]]


==Danger to humans==
Attacks on humans are very uncommon. Although this species can easily kill an adult, there are only a few cases in which the victim, in most cases a child, was actually consumed. A Ugandan newspaper reported in 1951 that a 13-year-old boy was swallowed, but the python was forced to disgorge the body. In 1973, another newspaper reported that a Portuguese soldier was discovered in the stomach of a snake. In 1979, a 14.9&nbsp;ft (4.5 m) python tried to eat a 13-year-old boy. It was discovered with the boy completely entwined, but after being hit by stones, it regurgitated the body and retreated. The boy was 1.3 m tall and weighed 45&nbsp;kg.<ref name="Bra80">Branch WR, Hacke WD. 1980. A Fatal Attack on a Young Boy by an African Rock Python (''Python sebae''). Journal of Herpetology. 14:305-307.</ref> In Carlyle, IL in the summer of 1999 a 3-year-old boy was suffocated in his sleep by an escaped 7 1/2 ft specimen.<ref>{{cite web|title=AGN: Couple acquitted in child's death by python|url=http://amarillo.com/stories/2000/03/25/usn_LA0687.shtml}}</ref> On Easter weekend of 2009, Ben Nyaumbe, a farmer was attacked after stepping on a specimen, and was dragged up a tree by the snake, but managed to escape after calling for help on his [[mobile phone]].<ref name="BBC">[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7999909.stm BBC News] Accessed 15 April 2009.</ref> The last known case in which a person was eaten occurred in South Africa in 2002, the victim being a 10-year-old child.<ref name="Age">{{cite news | last =Flanagan | first = Jane | coauthors = | title =Children terrified as python eats boy | work =The Age | pages = | language = | publisher = | date = November 25, 2002| url = http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2002/11/24/1037697985131.html | accessdate =January 14, 2010 }}</ref>
Attacks on humans are very uncommon. Although this species can easily kill an adult, there are only a few cases in which the victim, in most cases a child, was actually consumed. A Ugandan newspaper reported in 1951 that a 13-year-old boy was swallowed, but the python was forced to disgorge the body. In 1973, another newspaper reported that a Portuguese soldier was discovered in the stomach of a snake. In 1979, a 14.9&nbsp;ft (4.5 m) python tried to eat a 13-year-old boy. It was discovered with the boy completely entwined, but after being hit by stones, it regurgitated the body and retreated. The boy was 1.3 m tall and weighed 45&nbsp;kg.<ref name="Bra80">Branch WR, Hacke WD. 1980. A Fatal Attack on a Young Boy by an African Rock Python (''Python sebae''). Journal of Herpetology. 14:305-307.</ref> In Carlyle, IL in the summer of 1999 a 3-year-old boy was suffocated in his sleep by an escaped 7 1/2 ft specimen.<ref>{{cite web|title=AGN: Couple acquitted in child's death by python|url=http://amarillo.com/stories/2000/03/25/usn_LA0687.shtml}}</ref> On Easter weekend of 2009, Ben Nyaumbe, a farmer was attacked after stepping on a specimen, and was dragged up a tree by the snake, but managed to escape after calling for help on his [[mobile phone]].<ref name="BBC">[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7999909.stm BBC News] Accessed 15 April 2009.</ref> The last known case in which a person was eaten occurred in South Africa in 2002, the victim being a 10-year-old child.<ref name="Age">{{cite news | last =Flanagan | first = Jane | coauthors = | title =Children terrified as python eats boy | work =The Age | pages = | language = | publisher = | date = November 25, 2002| url = http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2002/11/24/1037697985131.html | accessdate =January 14, 2010 }}</ref>


People are often fearful of large pythons and may kill them on sight,<ref name=Holland></ref> though unprovoked attacks on humans are very rare, despite the fact that this species is often found around human habitation (9). The African rock python may also be threatened by hunting for food and leather in some areas (14). 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></ref> Little information is available on levels of international trade in this species.
==Subspecies==

{|cellspacing=0 cellpadding=2 border=1 style="border-collapse: collapse;"
Some of the 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 south-eastern Nigeria from habitat destruction and exploration for the oil industry (14) (15).
!bgcolor="#f0f0f0"|Subspecies<ref name="ITIS"/>

!bgcolor="#f0f0f0"|Taxon author<ref name="ITIS"/>
The African rock python is still relatively common in many regions across Africa and may adapt to disturbed habitats (9), provided that abundant food is available.<ref name=Luiselli></ref> It is not currently considered at risk of extinction, but is listed on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), meaning international trade in African rock pythons should be carefully monitored and controlled,<ref name=CITES></ref> giving wild populations some protection from over-collection 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|publisher=UNEP-WCMC}}</ref>
!bgcolor="#f0f0f0"|Common name<ref name="Meh87"/>

!bgcolor="#f0f0f0"|Geographic range
This species is commonly the subject of [[captive breeding]] and is readily available in the exotic [[pet]] trade. They adapt well to captivity, feed willingly on commercially available [[rat]]s and [[rabbit]]s. However, their duller coloration and poor temperament generally makes their price lower than that of other python species, while their large size and voracious appetite makes them suitable only for the most experienced of large snake keepers.
|-

|''[[Python sebae natalensis|P. s. natalensis]]''
While not considered [[endangered species|endangered]] or [[threatened species|threatened]], this species is listed as a [[CITES]] Appendix II species, which puts restrictions on its exportation around the world. The primary reason for this is because their skin is used in the [[leather]] industry, frequently being made into [[shoe]]s, [[belt (clothing)|belt]]s, and [[Handbag|purse]]s.
|Smith, 1833
|Natal rock python
|style="width:40%"|[[Type locality (biology)|Type locality]]: "[[Durban|Port Natal]]," [[South Africa]].
|-
|''P. s. sebae''
|([[Johann Friedrich Gmelin|Gmelin]], 1788)
|African rock python
|
|-
|}


==See also==
==See also==
Line 93: Line 168:


==References==<!-- BiodiversConserv17:2037. -->
==References==<!-- BiodiversConserv17:2037. -->
{{ARKive attribute}}
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}

===Arkive references list===

1.CITES (December, 2008)
http://www.cites.org

2.Starin, E.D. and Burghardt, G.M. (1992) African rock pythons (Python sebae) in the Gambia: observations on natural history and interactions with humans. The Snake, 24: 50 - 62.

3.Alden, P.C., Estes, R.D., Schlitter, D. and McBridge, B. (1996) Collins Guide to African Wildlife. HarperCollins Publishers, London.

4.O’Shea, M. (2007) Boas and Pythons of the World. New Holland Publishers, London.

5.Bartlett, P.P. and Wagner, E. (1997) Pythons. Barron’s Educational Series, New York.

6.Schmidt, W. (2006) Reptiles and Amphibians of Southern Africa. Struik, Cape Town, South Africa.

7.Branch, B. and Branch, W.R. (1998) Field Guide to Snakes and Other Reptiles of Southern Africa. Struik, Cape Town, South Africa.

8.Halliday, T. and Adler, K. (2002) The New Encyclopedia of Reptiles and Amphibians. Oxford University Press, Oxford.

9.Branch, W.R. and Hacke, W.D. (1980) A fatal attack on a young boy by an African rock python Python sebae. Journal of Herpetology, 14(3): 305 - 307.

10.Luiselli, L., Akani, G.C., Eniang, E.A. and Politano, E. (2007) Comparative ecology and ecological modeling of sympatric pythons, Python regius and Python sebae. In: Henderson, R.W. and Powell, R. (Eds) Biology of the Boas and Pythons. EMP Press, Eagle Mountain, Utah.

11.Luiselli, L., Angelici, F.M. and Akani, G.C. (2001) Food habits of Python sebae in suburban and natural habitats. African Journal of Ecology, 39: 116 - 118.

12.Luiselli, L. (2009) Pers. comm.

13.Bartlett, P.P., Griswold, B. and Bartlett, R.D. (2001) Reptiles, Amphibians, and Invertebrates: An Identification and Care Guide. Barron’s Educational Series, New York.

14.Luiselli, L. and Akani, G.C. (2002) An investigation into the composition, complexity and functioning of snake communities in the mangroves of south-eastern Nigeria. African Journal of Ecology, 40: 220 - 227.

15.Akani, G.C., Barieenee, I.F., Capizzi, D. and Luiselli, L. (1999) Snake communities of moist rainforest and derived savanna sites of Nigeria: biodiversity patterns and conservation priorities. Biodiversity and Conservation, 8: 629 - 642.

16.UNEP-WCMC: Serengeti National Park, Tanzania (January, 2009)
http://www.unep-wcmc.org/sites/wh/pdf/Serengeti.pdf


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons}}
{{Commons}}
{{Wikispecies|Python sebae}}
{{Wikispecies|Python sebae}}
* {{NRDB species|genus=Python|species=sebae|date=12 September|year=2007}}
*{{ARKive|african-rock-python|python-sebae}}
*{{NRDB species|genus=Python|species=sebae|date=12 September|year=2007}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Python Sebae}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Python Sebae}}

Revision as of 02:05, 26 July 2011

Python sebae
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Chordata
Subphylum:
Vertebrata
Class:
Reptilia
Order:
Squamata
Suborder:
Serpentes
Family:
Pythonidae
Genus:
Python
Species:
P. sebae
Binomial name
Python sebae
(Gmelin, 1788)
Synonyms
Synonymy
  • Coluber Sebae - Gmelin, 1788
  • C[oluber]. Speciosus - Bonnaterre, 1790
  • Boa Hieroglyphica - Schneider, 1801
  • Python Houttuyni - Daudin, 1803
  • Python Liberiensis - Hallowell, 1845
  • Hortulia Sebae - Gray, 1849
  • Boa Liberiensis - Hallowell, 1854
  • Python sebae - Boettger, 1887
  • Python sebae - Boulenger, 1893
  • Python jubalis - Pitman, 1936
  • Python sebae sebae - Broadley, 1983
  • Python sebae - Branch, 1991
  • Python sebae - Kluge, 1993[1]
Common names: African rock python, rock python,[2] African python.[3]

Python sebae is a nonvenomous python species found in subsaharan Africa. This is one of the world's largest species of snakes. Two subspecies are currently recognized.[4]

Taxonomy and etymology

The African rock python (Python sabae) is one of seven species of python, a genus of large constricting snakes found in the moist tropics of Asia and Africa. The African rock python is divided into two subspecies, Python sabae sabae (also called the African rock python) and Python sabae natalis (the southern African rock python). Some consider the more southerly population of this snake to be a separate species, Python natalensis,[5][6] while others consider this form to be a subspecies.[7][8]

Python sebae was first described by Johann Friedrich Gmelin in 1788. He also first identified the sabae subspecies. The southern subspecies was first identified by Sir Andrew Smith in 1833.

Python is a Greek word referring to the enormous serpent at Delphi slain by Apollo in Greek Mythology. Sebae is a Latinization of Dutch zoologist, Albertus Seba.[2] Natalensis refers to the Natal region of South Africa. Common name usage varies with both the species and northern subspecies referred to as African rock python or simply rock python. The Southern African rock python is sometimes referred to as the Natal rock python.

Subspecies
Common name Scientific Name Classified by Year References
African rock python Python sebae sebae Gmelin 1788 [2], [4]
Southern African rock python Python sebae natalensis Smith 1833 [2], [4]

Description

drawing of snake
1840 drawing of southern species by Sir Andrew Smith

This is one of the world's largest species of snakes,[2] with adults reaching lengths of over 6 m (20 ft). The typical adult length is 4.8 m (16 ft) and rumors of specimens over 6 m (20 ft) are generally considered reliable, but larger specimens have never been confirmed.[9]

The color pattern is typically brown, with olive and tan irregular blotching, fading to white on the underside. At a glance, they can be easily mistaken for the Burmese python, P. m. bivittatus, but the two species are not closely related.

Africa’s largest snake,[10][5] the African rock python (Python sebae) has a long, stout body, patterned with blotches that vary in colour between brown, olive, chestnut and buffy yellow, often joining up in a broad, irregular stripe.[10][7] The triangular head has many sharp, backwardly curved teeth and is marked on top with a dark brown “spear-head” outlined in buffy yellow.[10][6] Under the eye is a distinctive triangular marking, known as a subocular mark.[7] Like all pythons, the scales of the African rock python are small and smooth,[10][11] and those around the lips possess heat-sensitive pits, which are used to detect warm-blooded prey, even in the dark.[6][11][12] Pythons also possess two functioning lungs, unlike more ‘advanced’ snakes which have only one, and also have small, visible pelvic ‘spurs’, believed to be the vestiges of hind limbs.[11][12]

The African rock python 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(2). The southern form is distinguished by its smaller size (adults averaging about 2.4 to 4.4 metres in length), larger scales on top of the head, darker colouration, markings on the back that are well separated blotches rather than an irregular stripe, and a smaller or absent subocular mark.[5][7]

Distribution

Geographic range of the Python sebae

Found in Africa south of the Sahara from Senegal east to Ethiopia and Somalia, including Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Upper Volta, Ghana, Togo, Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Chad, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, Rwanda, Burundi, Sudan, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe south to northern Namibia, Botswana and northeastern South Africa (to Natal). Extirpated from eastern Cape Province in 1927. The type locality given is "America" -- an obvious mistake. According to Loveridge (1936), no type locality was given. According to Stimson (1969) it was "Guiara, Brazil."[1]

The African rock python is found throughout almost the whole of sub-Saharan Africa (9), from Senegal east to Ethiopia and Somalia and south to Namibia and South Africa.[8][10] Python sebae sebae ranges across central and western Africa, while Python sebae natalensis has a more eastern and southerly range, from southern Kenya to South Africa.[5]

In 2009, the African rock python was found in the Florida Everglades, and is feared to be establishing itself as an invasive species alongside the already-established Burmese Python.[13]

Typically associated with grassland and savannah habitat, not too far from water (rivers, streams, marshes), sometimes entering the edges of forests. Often occur in or near cane fields.[2]

The African rock python inhabits a wide range of habitats, including savanna woodland and grassland, forest, savanna, semi-desert, rocky areas and the edges of swamps, lakes and rivers,[10][5] being particularly associated with areas of permanent water(10).[7] It also readily adapts to disturbed habitats and so is often found around human habitation (9).

Rock python habitats

Behavior

They are highly dependent on sources of water, and estivate during the hottest and driest parts of the year, remaining deep in burrows made by other animals. This species is noted for its bad temperament and readiness to bite if harassed. This is in contrast to the Burmese python, P. molurus, which is typically docile except when food is near.

Like all pythons, the African rock python is non-venomous and kills its prey by constriction.[6][12] 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.[6] The African rock python feeds on a variety of large rodents, monkeys, antelopes, fruit bats, monitor lizards and even crocodiles in forest areas,[10] (11) and on rats, poultry, dogs and goats in suburban areas (11). A few cases are also known of this python hunting humans.[14]

They are opportunistic feeders, and will consume almost any animal that they come across and can overpower by constriction. Young pythons eat primarily small rodents, which makes them popular with local farmers for reducing the populations of species harmful to crops, like the cane rat. However, adults are capable of taking very large prey, including young crocodiles, goats, gazelles, warthogs, and even humans, making them potentially very dangerous.

Rock python feeding behavior

Reproduction

Reproduction occurs in the spring with females laying as many as 100 eggs at a time. They guard their eggs aggressively while they incubate for 2–3 months. Hatchlings are between 45–60 cm (18-24 inches) in length and appear virtually identical to adults, except with more contrasting colors.

African rock pythons are oviparous, laying between 20 and 100 hard-shelled, elongated eggs in an old animal burrow, termite mound or cave.[10][5] 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.[10][5][6] Individuals may live for over 12 years in captivity.[15]

Rock python egg development
  • snake around eggs
    snake around eggs
  • Hatching
    Hatching
  • little snake next to egg, slime on it
    little snake next to egg, slime on it

Human interaction

Early 1900s, German East Africa

Attacks on humans are very uncommon. Although this species can easily kill an adult, there are only a few cases in which the victim, in most cases a child, was actually consumed. A Ugandan newspaper reported in 1951 that a 13-year-old boy was swallowed, but the python was forced to disgorge the body. In 1973, another newspaper reported that a Portuguese soldier was discovered in the stomach of a snake. In 1979, a 14.9 ft (4.5 m) python tried to eat a 13-year-old boy. It was discovered with the boy completely entwined, but after being hit by stones, it regurgitated the body and retreated. The boy was 1.3 m tall and weighed 45 kg.[16] In Carlyle, IL in the summer of 1999 a 3-year-old boy was suffocated in his sleep by an escaped 7 1/2 ft specimen.[17] On Easter weekend of 2009, Ben Nyaumbe, a farmer was attacked after stepping on a specimen, and was dragged up a tree by the snake, but managed to escape after calling for help on his mobile phone.[18] The last known case in which a person was eaten occurred in South Africa in 2002, the victim being a 10-year-old child.[19]

People are often fearful of large pythons and may kill them on sight,[5] though unprovoked attacks on humans are very rare, despite the fact that this species is often found around human habitation (9). The African rock python may also be threatened by hunting for food and leather in some areas (14). 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.[15] Little information is available on levels of international trade in this species.

Some of the 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 south-eastern Nigeria from habitat destruction and exploration for the oil industry (14) (15).

The African rock python is still relatively common in many regions across Africa and may adapt to disturbed habitats (9), provided that abundant food is available.[14] It is not currently considered at risk of extinction, but is listed on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), meaning international trade in African rock pythons should be carefully monitored and controlled,[8] giving wild populations some protection from over-collection 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.[20]

This species is commonly the subject of captive breeding and is readily available in the exotic pet trade. They adapt well to captivity, feed willingly on commercially available rats and rabbits. However, their duller coloration and poor temperament generally makes their price lower than that of other python species, while their large size and voracious appetite makes them suitable only for the most experienced of large snake keepers.

While not considered endangered or threatened, this species is listed as a CITES Appendix II species, which puts restrictions on its exportation around the world. The primary reason for this is because their skin is used in the leather industry, frequently being made into shoes, belts, and purses.

See also

References

This article incorporates text from the ARKive fact-file "Central African rock python" under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License and the GFDL.

  1. ^ a b McDiarmid RW, Campbell JA, Touré T. 1999. Snake Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference, vol. 1. Herpetologists' League. 511 pp. ISBN 1-893777-00-6 (series). ISBN 1-893777-01-4 (volume).
  2. ^ a b c d e f Mehrtens JM. 1987. Living Snakes of the World in Color. New York: Sterling Publishers. 480 pp. ISBN 0-8069-6460-X.
  3. ^ Ditmars RL. 1933. Reptiles of the World. Revised Edition. The MacMillan Company. 329 pp. 89 plates.
  4. ^ a b c "Python sebae". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 12 September 2007.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h O’Shea, M. (2007). Boas and Pythons of the World. London: New Holland Publishers.
  6. ^ a b c d e f Schmidt, W. (2006). Reptiles and Amphibians of Southern Africa. Cape Town, South Africa: Struik.
  7. ^ a b c d e Bartlett, P.P. and Wagner, E. (1997). Pythons. New York: Barron’s Educational Series.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  8. ^ a b c "CITES". CITES.
  9. ^ Murphy JC, Henderson RW. 1997. Tales of Giant Snakes: A Historical Natural History of Anacondas and Pythons.Krieger Pub. Co. 221 pp. ISBN 0-89464-995-7.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g h i Alden, P.C., Estes, R.D., Schlitter, D. and McBridge, B (1996). Collins Guide to African Wildlife. London: HarperCollins Publishers.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  11. ^ a b c Branch, B. and Branch, W.R. (1998). Field Guide to Snakes and Other Reptiles of Southern Africa. Cape Town, South Africa: Struik.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  12. ^ a b c Halliday, T. and Adler, K. (2002). The New Encyclopedia of Reptiles and Amphibians. Oxford: Oxford University Press.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  13. ^ David Fleshler (September 27, 2009). "Officials fear African python invading Florida's Everglades". Los Angeles Times.
  14. ^ a b Luiselli, L. (2009). Pers. comm.
  15. ^ a b Bartlett, P.P., Griswold, B. and Bartlett, R.D. (2001). Reptiles, Amphibians, and Invertebrates: An Identification and Care Guide. New York: Barron’s Educational Series.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  16. ^ Branch WR, Hacke WD. 1980. A Fatal Attack on a Young Boy by an African Rock Python (Python sebae). Journal of Herpetology. 14:305-307.
  17. ^ "AGN: Couple acquitted in child's death by python".
  18. ^ BBC News Accessed 15 April 2009.
  19. ^ Flanagan, Jane (November 25, 2002). "Children terrified as python eats boy". The Age. Retrieved January 14, 2010. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  20. ^ "Serengeti National Park, Tanzania" (PDF). UNEP-WCMC.

Arkive references list

1.CITES (December, 2008) http://www.cites.org

2.Starin, E.D. and Burghardt, G.M. (1992) African rock pythons (Python sebae) in the Gambia: observations on natural history and interactions with humans. The Snake, 24: 50 - 62.

3.Alden, P.C., Estes, R.D., Schlitter, D. and McBridge, B. (1996) Collins Guide to African Wildlife. HarperCollins Publishers, London.

4.O’Shea, M. (2007) Boas and Pythons of the World. New Holland Publishers, London.

5.Bartlett, P.P. and Wagner, E. (1997) Pythons. Barron’s Educational Series, New York.

6.Schmidt, W. (2006) Reptiles and Amphibians of Southern Africa. Struik, Cape Town, South Africa.

7.Branch, B. and Branch, W.R. (1998) Field Guide to Snakes and Other Reptiles of Southern Africa. Struik, Cape Town, South Africa.

8.Halliday, T. and Adler, K. (2002) The New Encyclopedia of Reptiles and Amphibians. Oxford University Press, Oxford.

9.Branch, W.R. and Hacke, W.D. (1980) A fatal attack on a young boy by an African rock python Python sebae. Journal of Herpetology, 14(3): 305 - 307.

10.Luiselli, L., Akani, G.C., Eniang, E.A. and Politano, E. (2007) Comparative ecology and ecological modeling of sympatric pythons, Python regius and Python sebae. In: Henderson, R.W. and Powell, R. (Eds) Biology of the Boas and Pythons. EMP Press, Eagle Mountain, Utah.

11.Luiselli, L., Angelici, F.M. and Akani, G.C. (2001) Food habits of Python sebae in suburban and natural habitats. African Journal of Ecology, 39: 116 - 118.

12.Luiselli, L. (2009) Pers. comm.

13.Bartlett, P.P., Griswold, B. and Bartlett, R.D. (2001) Reptiles, Amphibians, and Invertebrates: An Identification and Care Guide. Barron’s Educational Series, New York.

14.Luiselli, L. and Akani, G.C. (2002) An investigation into the composition, complexity and functioning of snake communities in the mangroves of south-eastern Nigeria. African Journal of Ecology, 40: 220 - 227.

15.Akani, G.C., Barieenee, I.F., Capizzi, D. and Luiselli, L. (1999) Snake communities of moist rainforest and derived savanna sites of Nigeria: biodiversity patterns and conservation priorities. Biodiversity and Conservation, 8: 629 - 642.

16.UNEP-WCMC: Serengeti National Park, Tanzania (January, 2009) http://www.unep-wcmc.org/sites/wh/pdf/Serengeti.pdf

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Python sebae.
Wikispecies has information related to Python sebae.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Central_African_rock_python&oldid=441455787"