Royal Python Natural History
Size
Females of this species grow to between 3 foot (90 cm) to (150 cm) 5 foot. Meanwhile males are generally smaller reaching between 2 (60 cm) to 3 foot (90 cm).
Habitat and Distribution
The Royal Python inhabits the dry grasslands and open forests of Central and Western Africa in countries such as Sudan, Uganda, Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Cameroon and The Democratic Republic of Congo.
Age
These snakes can live for over 30 years, the oldest known individual lived to be over 40.
Diet
Royal Pythons primarily feed on rodents.
Groups and Breeding
Females lay a clutch of 1-10 eggs between February and April. The female will coil around their clutch until they hatch roughly two months later. Hatchlings are 25-40 cm in length and independent immediately.
Threats
They are listed as ‘Near Threatened’ by the IUCN, updated in 2021 from a ‘Least Concern’ status. They are hunted for their meat and leather and their biggest threat is the pet trade with thousands being captured and exported each year.
Interesting Facts
They are believed to be called the Royal Python as African rulers often ‘wore’ live pythons as jewellery.
The Royal Python During Your Day Out in Kent
The four Royal Pythons here at Wingham Wildlife Park are on display in the Reptile House. We have one male and one female and their two young who hatched in 2022. This area is home to a number of other reptiles and amphibians including Argus monitors, Cuban Crocodiles and White’s Tree Frogs.