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Ball Python

The Ball Python, Python regius, is a gentle serpent of African grasslands, famed for its striking patterns and defensive curl. Predominantly nocturnal, it plays a role in controlling rodent populations, blending beauty with ecological balance.

20-30 years
Lifespan
Length: 91 - 152 cm
Size
Brown, Grey, Black, White, Silver, Grey-Brown
Color
Low
Aggression
Near Threatened
Conservation Status
Decreasing
Population Trend
Characteristics
The Python regius, commonly known as the Ball Python, is native to West and Central Africa. It thrives in grasslands and open forests. Known for its docile temperament, it can curl into a tight ball when threatened. It has a distinctive pattern of brown and black spots and prefers a nocturnal lifestyle, feeding primarily on small mammals and birds.
Distribution Range of the Ball Python
Python regius, commonly known as the Ball Python or Royal Python, is native to West and Central Africa. Its geographical distribution includes countries such as Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, and parts of Senegal and Mali.
Ball Python's Habitat
Environmental Conditions
Ball Pythons typically inhabit grasslands, savannas, and sparsely wooded areas. They prefer environments that provide a mix of open and sheltered spaces, allowing them to thermoregulate by moving between sunlit and shaded areas. The climate in these regions is typically tropical with distinct wet and dry seasons, characterized by warm temperatures throughout the year.
Ecological Niche
Ball Pythons occupy an ecological niche as both predators and prey. As non-venomous constrictors, they primarily feed on small mammals and birds, playing a role in controlling these populations. They are also prey for larger predators, including birds of prey and carnivorous mammals. Their ability to thrive in a variety of environments, including agricultural and peri-urban areas, demonstrates their adaptability to human-altered landscapes.