In Kruger National Park, South Africa, a African rock python (scientific name: Python natalensis) climbed high into a tree to hunt a prey that was not easy to catch. It was an African hornbill (scientific name: Bucerotidae).
The python tightly coiled around its victim and attempted to swallow the prey while perched on the high branch. After a long struggle to consume the hornbill, the python succeeded and leisurely slithered down from the tree.
The python has successfully swallowed its victim.
Then it leisurely slithered down. (Photo: Ruth Anne Smit).
The African rock python is the largest python species in South Africa, with males weighing around 44 kg and measuring 4.25 m in length, while females can weigh up to 55 kg and reach lengths of 5 m. This species is featured in many folktales of the indigenous people of Africa.
They are hunted for their beautiful skin, which is used to make bags, shoes, and belts. The diet of this python includes small prey such as rodents, birds, lizards, and monkeys; however, larger individuals can even prey on crocodiles.
