WARNING: You cannot keep this protected snake as a pet
South Africa's largest snake, the Southern African Python, is sadly on the protected species list due to illegal hunting. This week on Snake Rescue Extra, snake expert and podcast host Nick Evans issues a warning to those who kill or keep this snake as a pet. He also talks about the dangers of being bitten by one.
Although still common is some parts of the KwaZulu-Natal province, often in the northern parts; the Midlands; South Coast and protected areas, the Southern African Python is often killed to be eaten; for traditional medicine (muthi), or for decoration and accessories.
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"They are always in chicken coops. I don't know how many Pythons I've caught in chicken cages, chicken coops. They love it. It's just KFC, you know? They can't say no to that smell as it wafts through the air... unfortunately when they do come and eat someone's chickens they get killed, " Nick Evans explains.
Often four metres long, the females are different from other female snakes. They are very protective mothers who do not leave their eggs but wrap around them until they hatch.
Listen to the podcast below as Nick gives more interesting information about this snake; including its hunting technique.
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Nick's organisation, KwaZulu-Natal Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, is a chapter of The Lawrence Anthony Earth Organisation.
Contact Nick on 072 809 5806 for information about snake removals. Email him if you'd like to find out about his educational talks.
Find past episodes from Snake Rescue below.
IMAGE CREDIT: Nick Evans