The African rock python is the largest snake species on the African continent. An adult rock python can reach lengths of up to 7 meters, and in some cases, even 10 meters. Numerous times, local tribes have reported finding human remains inside the stomachs of these pythons.
They inhabit most regions across Africa. However, in South Africa, this species is known to be the largest in terms of weight and size. The giant rock python is predominantly found in the southern regions of the Sahara Desert, stretching from Senegal to Ethiopia and Somalia.
These snakes are adaptable to various habitats, including savannas, dense forests, deserts, semi-deserts, rocky mountains, and even swamps, rivers, and lakes. They can easily adjust to disturbed environments, which is why they are often found near human settlements.
The African rock python is considered an opportunistic predator and is highly aggressive. They frequently attack humans, with hundreds of recorded incidents each year involving these pythons attacking people. There are also numerous cases where they have swallowed children and even adults. Consequently, in some tribes in Angola, Rwanda, Burundi, Sudan, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, and others, they are referred to as “man-eating pythons.”
They have a stout, elongated body with striking patterns consisting of brown, olive, chestnut, and yellow colors. Notably, this species is sensitive to heat, allowing them to detect prey even in darkness. Additionally, they have two functional lungs, unlike other snake species that typically possess only one. The African rock python still retains two tiny vestigial limbs, remnants of its ancient reptilian ancestors.
Like other pythons, the African rock python is non-venomous and kills its prey by constriction. After attacking its prey with a powerful bite, it coils around the victim to suffocate it. Although it is not the largest species in the python family, it is capable of consuming very large prey.
Its preferred diet includes large rodents, monkeys, antelopes, birds, dogs, goats, and sheep. When food is scarce, they boldly venture into villages in pursuit of humans. Despite the arid conditions of the continent, there are numerous documented instances of them consuming crocodiles in wetlands.
Recently, a 25-year-old Zambian driver named Kelvin Katoka accidentally ran over a rock python while operating an excavator in the bushes. Normally, the python would have fled in fear; however, it did not and instead turned to attack the driver. It constricted around him, causing him to vomit blood and lose consciousness. Despite his attempts to stab the snake multiple times with a knife, it proved ineffective. Just as it was about to swallow him, two colleagues arrived just in time to save him.
Although they are ferocious snakes, they are heavily hunted for their skin, as a food source, and for use as pets.
