Royal Python
The Royal Python is a python species found in sub-Saharan Africa. Like all other pythons, it is a non-venomous constrictor. This is the smallest of the African pythons.
The maximum adult length of the Royal Python is 6 feet. Females tend to be slightly bigger than males. The build is stocky while the head is relatively small. The colour pattern is typically black or dark brown with light brown or gold sides. The belly is a white or cream. Royal Pythons bear a strong physical resemblance to the Burmese python.
Royal Pythons prefer grasslands, savannahs, and sparsely wooded areas. Termite mounds and empty mammal burrows are important habitats for this species. In the wild, their diet consists mostly of small mammals such as rats, shrews and mice. Younger pythons have also been know to feed on birds.
The maximum adult length of the Royal Python is 6 feet. Females tend to be slightly bigger than males. The build is stocky while the head is relatively small. The colour pattern is typically black or dark brown with light brown or gold sides. The belly is a white or cream. Royal Pythons bear a strong physical resemblance to the Burmese python.
Royal Pythons prefer grasslands, savannahs, and sparsely wooded areas. Termite mounds and empty mammal burrows are important habitats for this species. In the wild, their diet consists mostly of small mammals such as rats, shrews and mice. Younger pythons have also been know to feed on birds.
Fun Facts
Specimens have survived for over 40 years in captivity.
scientific classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Reptilia
Order
Squamata
Family
Pythonidae
Genus
Python
Species
P. regius
did you know?
The name Royal Python comes from the fact that rulers in Africa would wear the python as jewellery.
Its defence strategy involves coiling into a tight ball when threatened, with its head and neck tucked away in the middle.
The Royal Python is the smallest of the pythons and is popular in the pet trade, due to its small size and docile temperament.
Where to find us
Safari Niagara’s Royal Python can be found at our reptile house.
