Angolan Pythons: Giant Snake's Length Explored

The Angolan python is a medium-sized snake native to Southern Africa. It is also called Anchieta's dwarf python, named after Portuguese explorer and naturalist Jose Alberto de Oliveira Anchieta. As an adult, it can grow to a length of 5-6 feet, which is relatively small for a python.

Angolan python size and weight

Angolan pythons are medium-sized snakes, typically growing to between 5 and 6 feet in length, including their tail. This is relatively small for a python, with some other species, such as the African Rock Python, reaching much larger sizes. However, despite their smaller size, Angolan pythons are strong and stocky.

The weight of an Angolan python will vary depending on its age and health. As a guideline, hatchlings typically weigh around 70 grams, while adults can reach weights of 1500 grams for males and 1800 grams for females. It is important to ensure that Angolan pythons do not become overweight, as this can impact their health.

Angolan pythons are native to Southern Africa, specifically the southwestern coast, including southern Angola and northern Namibia. They are rarely seen in the wild due to their limited range and inaccessible habitat. They favour rocky outcrops and caves, with populations often found near water sources.

In captivity, the size and weight of an Angolan python can be influenced by factors such as diet, exercise, and husbandry practices. It is important to provide a spacious enclosure, a varied diet, and opportunities for exploration and exercise to promote the python's health and well-being.

Angolan python appearance

The Angolan python is a medium-sized snake native to Southern Africa, with a distinct appearance. Its colouring is typically a light reddish-brown, but can vary from brown to almost black, with white or cream-coloured bands and spots. Its underside is yellow, and its eyes are large and bug-eyed, allowing it to see in the dark. Its head scales are shaped like beads, and its dorsal scales are smooth, usually arranged in rows of 57 to 61.

The Angolan python has a bumpy texture, unlike other snakes, which is an adaptation to its arid environment, helping it to retain moisture. Its eyes are on the sides of its head, and it has five heat-sensing pits on each side of its head, which help it to find food during its nocturnal hunts.

Angolan pythons are stocky and strong, and adults can reach lengths of up to 4 to 6 feet. They are active snakes and enjoy exploring their surroundings.

Angolan python habitat

Angolan pythons are native to Southern Africa, specifically southern Angola and northern Namibia. They can also be found in South Africa. Their natural habitat includes rocky outcrops, rocky deserts, or open bush or grassland areas that are littered with rocks. They are often found near water sources, whether natural or man-made.

Angolan pythons shelter in small caves, crevices, and overhangs, which provide relief from the harsh desert climate. They are a rare species, seldom seen in the wild or in captivity. This is partly due to the long civil war in Angola, which made it dangerous to catch these snakes, and left the landscape scattered with landmines. Their habitat is also generally arid and remote, making it difficult to access.

The Angolan python's natural habitat is typically dry and rocky, with little to no precipitation for years at a time. Temperatures can range from as low as 32 degrees Fahrenheit to as high as 122 degrees. They depend on microhabitats, such as rocky outcroppings and caves, to escape the harsh weather conditions.

In captivity, Angolan pythons require a large enclosure with a simple setup that mimics their natural habitat. A basic substrate, such as paper towels or newspaper, is recommended for ease of cleaning. However, a more natural substrate like eco earth, coco fibre, cork bark, or aspen bedding can also be used. The enclosure should include a humid hide, such as a hide box or a cave, to provide the snake with a place to coil up comfortably.

Overall, the Angolan python's habitat is characterised by rocky landscapes, arid conditions, and intermittent water sources, with temperatures ranging from extremely hot to very cold.

Angolan python diet

Angolan pythons are carnivores that feed on small mammals, birds, and amphibians. In the wild, their primary choice of prey is gerbils and ground birds, but they will also eat lizards and some invertebrates.

In captivity, Angolan pythons are typically fed mice or rats. Live prey should never be left unattended in an enclosure with an Angolan python, as there have been instances of rodents attacking and killing snakes. It is also important to ensure that the prey is consumed properly to avoid injury to the snake.

For hatchlings and juveniles, the recommended feeding schedule is one appropriately-sized rodent per week. The size of the prey should not be larger than the widest point of the snake. As the snake gets older, the size of the prey can be increased gradually. For adult Angolan pythons, the recommended feeding schedule is one rodent every 10 days or one slightly smaller rodent per week.

Angolan pythons rarely encounter standing water in their natural habitat and are believed to get most of their moisture from the prey they consume. However, it is important to provide captive pythons with a water bowl large enough for them to soak in.

Angolan python enclosures

Angolan pythons are native to Southern Africa and are rarely found in captivity. They are a medium-sized snake species, growing up to 5-6 feet in length. They are non-venomous and have distinctive bead-like head scales. Their natural habitat includes rocky outcrops, rocky deserts, grasslands, and caves.

Enclosure Size and Type

When it comes to enclosures, the general rule is the larger, the better. Angolan pythons are active and curious snakes that enjoy exploring their surroundings. For juveniles, an enclosure measuring 18 x 12 inches is sufficient. As they grow, they will need a larger space, with adult enclosures measuring at least 3ft x 1.5ft x 1.5ft or 2ft x 2ft x 2ft. Even larger enclosures are preferable to provide ample space for these curious snakes. Glass aquariums, plastic reptile cages, and custom-built terrariums can all make suitable homes.

Temperature and Lighting

Angolan pythons come from warm and dry climates, so it is important to recreate this environment in their enclosures. A temperature gradient is necessary, providing a hot spot of around 90°F and a cool spot of around 75°F to allow the snake to regulate its body temperature. This can be achieved using a combination of overhead basking lights and under-tank heating mats, with all heat sources connected to a reliable thermostat to control the temperature. Basic household lights are generally sufficient for lighting, but UVB lighting can also be added if desired or if the enclosure is in a room with low light. It is important to turn the lights off at night to mimic the natural day/night cycle.

Humidity and Substrate

Angolan pythons do not require very high humidity levels, and a level of around 50% is recommended. This can be achieved by placing a large water bowl in the enclosure, which also serves as a drinking source for the snake. If the surrounding environment is very humid, additional ventilation or a dehumidifier may be needed to lower the humidity in the enclosure. A damp hide should also be included to mimic the natural rock crevices and burrows where these snakes seek refuge in the wild.

Decoration and Maintenance

In terms of decoration, simplicity is best. The substrate can be basic and easy to clean, such as paper towels or newspaper, or more natural-looking options like Eco Earth, coco fiber, cork bark, or aspen bedding. Large flat rocks or slate can be added to the enclosure, but it is important to ensure they are securely anchored to prevent the strong snakes from dislodging them. Regular spot cleaning is necessary, especially after the snake defecates, and the substrate should be replaced at least once a month, disinfecting the entire enclosure before adding new substrate.

Frequently asked questions