Menu

African Rock Python and Albert my tracker

By Patrick O’Brien on February 26, 2010

Python sebae is a non-venomous python species found in sub-Saharan Africa.

With adults reaching lengths of over 6 m (20 ft), this is one of the world’s largest species of snakes. The typical adult length is 4.8 m (16 ft) and rumours of specimens over 6 m (20 ft) are generally considered reliable, but larger specimens have never been confirmed.

Albert and I were fortune to bump into this 3,2 meter Python. It took some time to secure this large specimen, which turned out to be a male. After teaching Albert how to handle non-venomous snakes he clear shows his joy of holding this beautiful and rare snake for his guests to view.

The colour pattern is typically brown, with olive and tan irregular blotching, fading to white on the underside. 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.

Opportunistic feeders, and will consume almost any animal 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.

Attacks on humans are very uncommon. Although this species can easily kill an adult, there are only a few cases in which the victim. The last known case in which a person was eaten occurred in South Africa in 2002, the victim being a 10-year-old child.

Conservation status

While considered endangered and 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.

By Patrick O‘Brien – Head Guide

www.mandevo-wildlifephotography.com

 I spotted this Python on the road
Securing the snake took some time.
The 3 meter Python was really heavy
 Handing the Python over to Albert.
Albert and the 3 meter Python
Albert our magic man.

7 thoughts on “African Rock Python and Albert my tracker

  1. Oh my gosh!!

    It is 20 degress F. in Ohio with lots of snow on the ground – and more coming. Photos of your adventures – even those with snakes – makes me wish I could wiggle my nose Samantha Stevens-style and be there with you once again.

  2. Hi Patrick, wow…and Albert looks quite excited! Good to see these pics of you guys…brings back great memories of 1yr ago…I think it was an Addar you picked up and showed us.

    I agree with Kathy….too much snow here also…wish I were there with you guys!

    Stay well, stay safe.

    Moira.

  3. Hey Patrick,

    I love that you included Albert in the blog! You both look thrilled to be handling the python. You guys make such a GREAT team! Very nice information regarding the species . . . reading it, I could picture myself walking behind you during one of our bush walks listening/learning about this handsome snake.

    As always, thanks for sharing and tell Albert I said hello!

    Cheers,

    Todd

  4. Love the two pics of u and of Albert holding Mr. Python….two big smiley faces! KC and August can’t come soon enough to return to Ma Africa.

    Hugs to you both.

    Cheers!

    Joy

  5. Great shots! and what a beautiful specimen. Looks alot bigger than the Red lipped Herald Snake you and Albert showed me Pat!!

  6. What a crazy set of photos Patrick. You and Albert look like you are having some fun with the Python. Thank you for the educational narrative.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *