Southern african python

Introduction: Southern African pythons (Python natalensis) are the longest and heaviest pythons found in Namibia. They can often be found basking after feeding and will enter water to lie in wait for prey. They can also dive into deeps pools with the ability to stay underwater for long periods. They prefer a habitat of open savannah regions, usually rocky areas and riverine scrub. They are absent from true desert and dense rain forest.

They have the ability to swallow very large prey which is ambushed usually at night before it is constricted. This also includes human beings, although this is a rare occurrence. They are vulnerable to attack from the African wild dog and hyenas when they are swollen with prey. Although they can make good pets, some species do not hesitate to lunge out and give you a nasty bite. They have very large teeth and can rip out your skin and inflict pain.

Distribution: Zambezi and Kunene river valleys extending into the Okavango Delta.

Diet: Small buck and monkeys, fish, monitors and crocodiles.

Colouring: A grey-green or grey-brown body with dark blotches on to and isolated bands/blotches on the flanks. The belly is white with dark speckles.

Breeding: Females lay large eggs (the size of an orange) in disused termite nests, caves and aardvark burrows. The female will coil around the clutch to protect the eggs without shivering to aid in the incubation process. The young hatch in about 65 to 80 days.

Size: Max SVL male 4.25m, female 5.0m. Weight: Male: 44kg, female 55kg.