Ball Python Snake

scientific name

Python regius

size

Length. 3-4'

characteristics

Adaptations/Coloration. blotches on a brown or bluish-brown background " almost always include some yellow " color varies greatly " yellow color morphs frequently occur
Body. stocky " smallest of African pythons

behavior

Defense. coils in tight ball (hence name) with head tucked between coils - this is an avoidance technique (protects the head) " during dry months may aestivate in mammal burrows or other underground areas

reproduction/life span

Mating. rare in captivity
Incubation. females coil around for ~3 mos. (until hatching)
Eggs. 6- 7 (unusually large eggs & clutches small) " often laid in abandoned burrow

diet

Wild. small mammals
Zoo. mice & rats

habitat/range

grasslands " West Africa, Sierra Leone, Togo, & Senegal

status

CITES App II " habitat loss, pet, & skin trade " pet trade has high mortality due to sudden change in diet & environment

oregon zoo exhibit

Education Programs