Southern African Python

The Southern African python (AKA African rock python) is Southern Africa's largest snake and a powerful constrictor. It is a non-venomous giant, relying on its immense strength rather than poison to subdue its prey. You can identify it by its beautiful, complex pattern of blotches and stripes in shades of brown, olive, and tan, which provides excellent camouflage among the rocks and grasses of its habitat.

​

This python is an ambush hunter. It lies in wait near waterholes or game paths, striking with incredible speed when an unsuspecting animal comes close. It then wraps its powerful coils around the prey, squeezing gently but firmly until the animal can no longer breathe. Southern African pythons are capable of eating large animals like impala or small warthogs, but they more commonly feed on smaller creatures like rodents, monkeys, and birds. After a large meal, they may not need to eat again for many weeks.