Angolan Pythons: Massive Snake Species In Africa

Angolan pythons are native to the arid southwest of Angola and the northwest of Namibia. They are a medium-sized snake species, growing up to 5-6 feet in length as adults, which is relatively small for a python. In this paragraph, we will explore how big these pythons get and provide an overview of their size, range, and habitat.

Angolan pythons grow to between 3 and 6 feet in length

Angolan pythons are native to the arid southwest of Angola and the northwest of Namibia. They are a medium-sized snake species, growing to between 3 and 6 feet in length as adults. This is relatively small for a python, with some other species in the Python genus, such as the African Rock Python, reaching much larger sizes.

Angolan pythons start off at around 17-18 inches long, looking like miniature versions of the adults, although their colours tend to be brighter when they are babies. They are independent and ready to survive on their own as soon as they hatch. Young Angolan pythons eat small vertebrates like rodents and amphibians frequently to fuel their rapid growth.

The Angolan python is a non-venomous species of snake. They are distinguishable for their reddish-brown, brown, or almost black colouring, scattered with some white and cream-coloured bands and spots all over. On its underside, you will be able to see a yellowish belly. They are the only species of python with bead-like head scales, which, along with their dorsal scales, feel bumpy to the touch, while most other snakes are smooth.

Angolan pythons are sought-after by collectors due to their rarity and unique personality for a python. They are not as shy as other breeds, such as the ball python, and are more interactive and outgoing. They are also more active and enjoy exploring their surroundings.

Angolan pythons are rare in captivity due to their limited range and often harsh and inaccessible habitat. They are scarce in the wild, and their natural landscape tends to be remote and arid, which makes them hard to catch and breed.

They are native to Southern Africa

Angolan pythons, or Anchieta's dwarf pythons, are native to Southern Africa. They are found in the arid southwest of Angola and the northwest of Namibia, in rocky outcrops or areas strewn with rocks in open brush, shrubland, or grassland. They are rarely seen in the wild or in captivity due to the long civil war in Angola and the remaining land mines that make the region dangerous.

The Angolan python is a non-venomous species of snake that can grow up to 6 feet or 183 cm in length, including its tail. They are distinguishable for their reddish-brown, brown, or almost black colour, scattered with some white and cream-coloured bands and spots all over. On its underside, the Angolan python has a yellowish belly. This python is also famous for having head scales that are shaped like beads, and it has dorsal scales that are smooth to the touch and can be found arranged in 57 to 61 rows.

Angolan pythons are diurnal and shelter in small caves, overhangs, crevices, and under rocks and ledges. They are carnivores and their diet consists of small mammals, birds, amphibians, and insects. They are largely nocturnal, preferring to hunt for their food at night. They are also able to withstand extreme temperatures, as high as 122 degrees Fahrenheit and as low as 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

Angolan pythons are considered fairly docile, which has made them quite popular in the pet trade. However, they are mostly unavailable, whether for private collectors or zoos, due to their limited range and inaccessible habitats.

They are non-venomous

Angolan pythons are non-venomous snakes. This means that they do not use venom to kill their prey. Instead, they are constrictors, killing by squeezing their victims to death.

While they are non-venomous, they can still bite and inflict injuries on humans if they feel threatened. Therefore, it is important to handle them with care. After eating, they can be more prone to stress and negative reactions to being handled, so it is recommended to wait at least 24 hours after they have eaten before touching them.

Angolan pythons are native to Southern Africa, specifically the southwestern coast of Africa, including southern Angola and northern Namibia. They are a rare species, seldom seen in the wild or in captivity due to the long civil war in Angola and the landmine-scattered fields and forests of their natural habitat.

They are a medium-sized python species, typically growing to a length of 5-6 feet (183 cm) as adults, including their tail. This is relatively small compared to other python species, such as the African Rock Python.

Angolan pythons have a reddish-brown to brown to almost black colouring, with white or cream-coloured bands and spots. They have a yellowish belly and distinctive bead-like head scales, which gives them a bumpy texture. They also have smooth dorsal scales arranged in 57-61 rows.

In terms of care, Angolan pythons require a consistent and straightforward routine. They are not as shy as other python breeds and have a bold, outgoing personality. They enjoy exploring their surroundings and spending time outside their enclosures.

Angolan pythons are typically housed in large enclosures, such as a strong terrarium, with a simple setup that mimics their natural habitat. They require a hot spot of around 90°F and a cool spot of around 75°F to regulate their body temperature. A humidity level of 50% is recommended, which can be achieved by placing a water source in the enclosure.

Angolan pythons are carnivores, preying on small mammals, birds, and amphibians. In captivity, they are typically fed rodents, with rat pups being preferable to mice as they are better suited to the python's diet. It is recommended to feed juveniles once a week and adults once every two weeks, with the size of the prey matching the width of the snake at its largest point.

They are rare in captivity

Angolan pythons are rare in captivity due to a combination of factors, including their limited and inaccessible natural habitat, political unrest, and the long civil war in Angola.

Firstly, Angolan pythons (Python anchietae) have a very limited range, often within harsh and inaccessible habitats. They are endemic to southern Africa, specifically the arid southwest of Angola and the northwest of Namibia. Their specific locality is near Lobito, Angola. These factors make it challenging to access and transport them from the wild into captivity.

Secondly, the fields and forests in Angola, where the pythons are found, were affected by a long civil war. Although the war is over, the presence of landmines makes it dangerous to venture into these areas, and few people dare to risk catching the pythons.

The scarcity of Angolan pythons in captivity is further exacerbated by their elusive nature. They are diurnal and tend to shelter in small caves, overhangs, and crevices within their rocky habitats. This makes it difficult for researchers and collectors to find and capture them.

Despite the challenges, the availability of Angolan pythons in captivity has improved in recent years due to advancements in captive maintenance and breeding husbandry techniques. However, they remain a rare sight in zoos and private collections due to the aforementioned factors.

Angolan pythons are a moderately sized python species, growing up to 3 to 6 feet in length. They are non-venomous and feed on small mammals, birds, amphibians, and insects. They are known for their reddish-brown to brown (almost black) colouration, with irregular white or cream-coloured bands and spots, and a yellowish belly.

They are relatively easy to care for

Angolan pythons are considered a rare species and are seldom seen in the wild or in captivity. They are native to Southern Africa and are found in Angola, Namibia, and South Africa. They are nonvenomous and grow up to an average length of 5 to 6 feet. They have unique bead-like head scales and reddish-brown, brown, or black colouring with white and cream-coloured bands and spots.

Angolan pythons are relatively easy to care for. Here are some general guidelines for their care:

Housing

Angolan pythons come from a rocky, dry climate and will often hide under rocks and ledges where there is more moisture. For babies, a 10-gallon enclosure is sufficient, but as they approach their first year, a larger enclosure is necessary. Glass aquariums or commercially available plastic reptile cages are suitable options. Adults require a tank that is at least 36" x 18". If using a glass tank, provide a humid hide with damp moss to increase humidity. Shy snakes will appreciate having hides on both the cool and warm sides of the enclosure.

Bedding

Angolan pythons do well with various types of bedding, including reptile bark, aspen, jungle mix, eco earth, and forest floor. Spot-clean the bedding whenever they defecate, and thoroughly clean and disinfect the enclosure about once a month.

Lighting and Heat

As natives of Africa, Angolan pythons prefer warmer temperatures. Like all reptiles, they depend on external thermoregulation to control their body temperature. Provide a hot and cool side to the enclosure, with a basking spot on the hot side at 87-90°F (30-32°C) and the cool side between 75-80°F (24-27°C). At night, the temperature can drop to 72°F (22°C). Use a basking light and an under-tank heat pad to maintain the desired temperatures.

Humidity

Maintain a humidity level of about 50% to aid in proper shedding. Keep a non-porous water bowl in the enclosure, ensuring it is regularly cleaned and filled with clean water. Hand misters or automatic misters can also be used to maintain humidity.

Feeding

Angolan pythons are generally not picky eaters and will take frozen-thawed or live mice or rats. For hatchlings up to 2 years old, offer one rodent of appropriate size (roughly the girth of the snake at its biggest point) once a week. Adults can be fed one rodent every two weeks, but ensure it is a decent-sized meal. Do not handle the snake for several hours before and after feeding.

Temperament

Angolan pythons are more outgoing and active compared to ball pythons. They are known to enjoy being handled once they feel secure and trust their owner. Avoid touching the top of their heads, as this can cause a defensive reaction.

Frequently asked questions