Royal Python

Python Regius

Irish Name: Píotón Ríoga
IUCN Status: Least Concern

Royal pythons are nonvenomous constrictor snakes. They have large black or brown markings with lighter brown patches. Each Royal python has a unique pattern of markings. Their underside is generally white. Adult female Royal pythons are larger than males.

Royal Python

Python Regius

Irish Name: Píotón Ríoga
IUCN Status: Least Concern

Royal pythons are nonvenomous constrictor snakes. They have large black or brown markings with lighter brown patches. Each Royal python has a unique pattern of markings. Their underside is generally white. Adult female Royal pythons are larger than males.

General Information

Where do they live? (Natural habitat)

Royal pythons live in Western and Central Africa in tropical grasslands and savannas (flat, dry grasslands). They often live in burrows.

How long do they live?

20 years in the wild and up to 30 years in zoos.

What do they eat?

Royal pythons are carnivores (eat meat). They eat small mammals such as gerbils, rats, mice, shrews and occasionally birds.

Closest related species / sister species

The closest relatives of the Royal python are other members of the Python genus including the Burmese python and the Indian python.

Animal class

Reptilia

Animal order

Squamata

Fun facts

Royal name

Royal pythons got their name because African rulers used to wear living pythons as jewellery.

Playing ball

Royal pythons are also called Ball pythons because they curl themselves into a ball when they feel threatened. This keeps the head protected in the centre of the coil.

Head pits

Royal pythons have a series of ‘heat pits’ on each side of their mouth. This allows them to locate their prey by sensing the heat the prey gives out.

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Family Life

Royal pythons are solitary (mostly live alone). Females wrap around their eggs to protect them and incubate them using a shivering motion. Hatchlings are immediately able to look after themselves.

Baby name

Hatchling

Gestation (pregnancy) period

Eggs usually hatch after 55-60 days

Number of young at birth

1-11 eggs

Weight at birth

30-70g on average

Age at maturity

In the wild, the female matures between 20-36 months. The male reaches sexual maturitybetween 11-18 months.

Adult size

90-180cm

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Conservation

IUCN status Least Concern

The Royal python is classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Current population estimate

Unknown

Threats

The main threat to Royal pythons is capture for the pet trade. They are also hunted for their meat and skin.

What is Dublin Zoo doing?

Dublin Zoo educates our visitors about the natural world with the aim of inspiring in them a love of nature and enabling them to act positively for conservation.

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FAQs

  • How long do Royal pythons live?

    20 years in the wild and up to 30 years in zoos.

  • Do Royal pythons bite?

    Royal pythons have a nonvenomous bite that they use when threatened.

  • Are Royal pythons venomous?

    They are nonvenomous constrictors.

  • Do Royal pythons have teeth?

    Royal pythons have sharp teeth that face backwards to help them hold onto prey.

  • Do Royal pythons hibernate?

    When it gets very hot, Royal pythons go underground and reduce their metabolic rate. They do this to keep cool. This is called aestivation.

  • How big can a Royal python get?

    90-180cm

  • How long can a Royal python go without eating?

    A Royal python can survive months without eating. It can do this by reducing its metabolic rate

  • How many eggs does a Royal python lay?

    1-11 eggs

  • Where are Royal pythons from?

    Western and Central Africa.

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