African Rock Python (Python sebae)

African Rock Python Python sebae
Name	African Rock Python
Name Lat.	Python sebae
Family	Pythons
Family lat.	Pythonidae
Order	Scaled Reptiles
Order lat.	Squamata
Origin	Africa
Habitat	Forests, shrubland
Diet	Small mammals, birds
Humidity	60-80 %
Behavior	Nocturnal, semi-aggressive
Keeping	Individual, pair, group
Care Level	Experts only
Reproduction	Oviparous
Housing	Humid terrarium
Life Span	20-25 years
Protection	CITES Appendix II; EU Annex B
Metric Units
Size	400 cm
Temperature	26-30 °C
Temperature Local	33-35 °C
Housing Size	300 x 200 x 200 cm
US Units
Size	157"
Temperature	79-86 °F
Temperature Local	91-95 °F
Housing Size	120" x 80" x 80"

Distribution and habitat

The mainly ground-dwelling, crepuscular to nocturnal rock pythons are widespread in West, Central and East Africa. There they live in the tropical forests and bush landscapes as well as in dry steppes always near water.

Maintenance

Minimum dimensions for the terrarium, according to the size and number of animals:

1-2 animals

0,75KL x 0,5KL x 0,5KL (L x W x H)

Body length (KL) is measured on the largest animal. For each additional animal the floor space should be increased by 20%. A terrarium of e.g. L 300 x W 200 x H 200 cm is recommended, which should be placed in a quiet and vibration-free place

They need a terrarium structured with large roots, sturdy climbing branches, plants and stones (hiding places and visual protection) with a moisture-retaining substrate, e.g. of peat-earth mixture with foliage, a moist shelter as well as a large, easy-to-clean water basin (approx. 1/4 of the floor area) for bathing. Much of the substrate should be kept slightly moist at all times. Once a day, preferably in the evening, the inside of the terrarium should be finely sprayed with water (humidity), but a rain or mist system is better

Temp. day: 26-30 °C

Temp. night: 20-24 °C

Temp. local: up to 35 °C

Humidity: 60-80

Thermostatically controlled floor heating is recommended. Lighting duration must be 12-14 hrs. depending on the season. Daylight fluorescent tubes are ideal.

Diet

According to their size they feed on guinea pigs, rabbits etc. as well as chickens and quails, but can also eat other mammals up to half their body weight. After acclimation, they often succeed in switching to dead food animals. Juveniles should be offered food every 8-10 days, adults every 14-20 days, with occasional periods of fasting (e.g., skipping a feeding). If the snake is disturbed after feeding, this may result in vomiting of the prey. Generally, it is better to offer several small feeders, rather than one large one. If it does not eat for a long period of time, both the timing and the food should be varied. It is important to enrich the feed animals with vitamins and minerals

Reproduction and breeding

Probing by the veterinarian is the only reliable method of sex determination. The female lays 15-100 eggs in a warm, moist trough and incubates the clutch for 75-109 days, at about 30°C. Muscle contraction allows the female to maintain a constant temperature. The 50-70 cm young can be fed with small mice after a few days

Life expectancy can be 20-25 years.

Species protection

The animal population must be reported in writing to the responsible authority immediately after the beginning of the keeping. It is essential to find out about any bans on keeping or permits for keeping dangerous animals in your state or municipality (e.g. public order office).

Protection of species: WA Annex II; EU Annex B. The proof of purchase is the required proof of origin for the animal. Please keep it safe! Your pet store will be happy to provide you with further information.

Important

Animals over 5 m in length are exceptionally rare. As a rule, they are impetuous and great caution is required with larger specimens!

If the air temperature in the terrarium is lower than the temperature in the water tank, there is a risk of respiratory infection. When handling, always have snake hooks, protective gloves and cold water ready and have several people available to assist.

The terrarium must have good ventilation without drafts and meet the species specific needs. Measuring devices, such as thermometers, hygrometers, etc., are necessary. The lighting has to correspond to the species-specific day-night rhythm and has to be placed in such a way that the animals cannot injure themselves. The terrarium should be locked in such a way that neither unauthorized persons can open it nor the animals can escape. Contamination must be removed regularly

Further literature can be found in your pet store.

References

Text: Christian Sänger; Image: Franz Lowak 

Source: BMELV (1997): Tierschutzgutachten - Mindestanforderung an die Haltung von Reptilien; ENGELMANN (2006): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Reptilien und Amphibien, Harri Deutsch Verlag

• Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF