Rock Python Research Articles

Field observation of an Oenpelli Rock Python predating on a Rufous Owl

Field observation of an Oenpelli Rock Python predating on a Rufous Owl

A survey of nocturnality and risk for savanna chimpanzees at Assirik, Senegal.

Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) in Senegal may use nocturnality to mitigate hyperthermia risk in semi-arid environments but the degree of nocturnality for such chimpanzees also in sympatry with large carnivores remains uncertain. We compared diel activity among chimpanzees and their potential predators at Assirik in Niokolo-Koba National Park and contextualized these findings relative to other unit-groups in savanna landscapes. From 2015-2018, we generated a predator inventory using multi-modal methods and monitored the diel activity of chimpanzees and predators with camera traps [ N = 2092 camera trap (CT) days]. From 2015-2023, we also surveyed for evidence of predation during recce walks. Six potential nonhuman predators occur at Assirik, including lions (Panthera leo), leopards (Panthera pardus), spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta), African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus), Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus), and rock pythons (Python sebae). We documented one suspected case of a predator killing a chimpanzee. Nocturnality comprised 12.7% of CT events for chimpanzees and these events were more concentrated at twilight. Chimpanzees were more active during the day, predators were more active at night, and there was substantial temporal overlap among chimpanzees and potential predators during twilight intervals. Our findings support the hypothesis that savanna chimpanzees in Senegal are active at night in response to the extremely hot environment. We hypothesize that Assirik chimpanzees experience a tension between decreasing hyperthermia and increasing predation risk during nocturnality.

Microhabitat of Indian Rock Pythons (Python molurus) in Moyar River Valley, Tropical India

Microhabitat of Indian Rock Pythons (Python molurus) in Moyar River Valley, Tropical India

Seasonal Reptilian Diversity at Gautala Reserve Forest, Aurangabad (Maharashtra), India.

Reptiles are playing a vital role in ecology. These reptiles show a diverse range of habitat adaptations. They are dispersed in extreme desert conditions as well as in low-temperature areas and they are broadly dispersed across the world. The occurrence of reptiles is a sign of rich biodiversity and ecology. To assess the distribution of the reptile species in a given area, a reptilian species survey was carried out in the Gautala Reserve Forest, where 15 different spots were selected during the rainy, winter, and summer seasons. A checklist was created for the period of 2017-2018. During the investigation, a total of 28 species of reptiles from 6 families were found. The transect method was used to sample direct and indirect evidence of reptilian species. This paper discusses seasonal variations in reptilian diversity and statistical analysis methods. The Boidae family has fewer species than various other families, compared to the huge number of species of the Colubridae family reported in the current study. According to the IUCN, Three species of reptiles, the Common Sand Boa (Gongylophis Conicus), India Rock Python (Python molurus molurus), and John's Sand Boa (Eryx johnii), are Near Threatened (NT- Decreasing), and one species of reptile, the Gunther's Racer (Coluber gracilis), is Data Deficient (DD-Unknown). The remaining 24 species of reptiles are considered Least Concerned. Baseline information on the resilience of these reptile species was collected for the current investigation. These details will be useful for future planning on the preservation of reptile diversity.

Home range ecology of Indian rock pythons (Python molurus) in Sathyamangalam and Mudumalai Tiger Reserves, Tamil Nadu, Southern India

The Indian rock pythons (Python molurus) are classified as a near-threatened snake species by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN); they are native to the Indian subcontinent and have experienced population declines caused primarily by poaching and habitat loss. We hand-captured the 14 rock pythons from villages, agricultural lands, and core forests to examine the species' home ranges. We later released/translocated them in different kilometer ranges at the Tiger Reserves. From December 2018 to December 2020, we obtained 401 radio-telemetry locations, with an average tracking duration of (444 ± 212 days), and a mean of 29 ± SD 16 data points per individual. We quantified home ranges and measured morphometric and ecological factors (sex, body size, and location) associated with intraspecific differences in home range size. We analyzed the home ranges of rock pythons using Auto correlated Kernel Density Estimates (AKDE). AKDEs can account for the auto-correlated nature of animal movement data and mitigate against biases stemming from inconsistent tracking time lags. Home range size varied from 1.4 ha to 8.1 km2 and averaged 4.2 km2. Differences in home range sizes could not be connected to body mass. Initial indications suggest that rock python home ranges are larger than other pythons.

A rock python (Python molurus) predates on a porcupine (Hystrix indica)

The endemic Sri Lankan subspecies of rock python, Python molurus pimbura is the largest snake found in Sri Lanka. Though distributed island wide, it is listed as Near Threatened due to the rapid population decline. This is a common victim of illegal trade (as pets and for skin/meat). The prey items of the rock python are poorly documented, but it is not unusual for them to take difficult prey such as porcupines. In India, Bhupathy & Vijayan (1989) observed 14% of the python diet was porcupines, but this is a rare observation for Sri Lanka. The Indian crested porcupine, Hystrix indica is the largest and a most widely distributed rodent in Sri Lanka. They live in large burrows dug deep into the ground and give birth to 2–4 young at a time. Predations on porcupines are rare because of their sharp quills, so predators do not attack unless starving.

Indian Rock Python (Python molurus) preying on a Mottled Wood Owl (Strix ocellata) at Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat, India

Indian Rock Python (Python molurus) preying on a Mottled Wood Owl (Strix ocellata) at Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat, India

Surgical management of luxated mandible and lacerated jaw in an Indian rock python (Python molurus molurus)

Surgical management of luxated mandible and lacerated jaw in an Indian rock python (Python molurus molurus)

Patterns of predation and meat-eating by chacma baboons in an Afromontane environment

Abstract Meat-eating among non-human primates has been well documented but its prevalence among Afromontane baboons is understudied. In this study we report the predatory and meat-eating behaviours of a habituated group of gray-footed chacma baboons (Papio ursinus griseipes) living in an Afromontane environment in South Africa. We calculated a vertebrate-eating rate of 1 every 78.5 hours, increasing to 58.1 hours when unsuccessful predation attempts were included. A key food source was young antelopes, particularly bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus), which were consumed once every 115 observation hours. Similar to other baboon research sites, predations seemed mostly opportunistic, adult males regularly scrounged and monopolised prey, there was no evidence they used an active kill bite, and active sharing was absent. This is the first baboon study to report predation of rock python (Python sebae) eggs and likely scavenging of a leopard (Panthera pardus) kill (bushbuck) cached in a tree. We also describe several scramble kleptoparasitism events, tolerating active defence from antelope parents, and the baboons inhibiting public information about predations. In the latter case, baboons with meat often hid beyond the periphery of the group, reducing the likelihood of scrounging by competitors. This often led to prey carcasses being discarded without being fully exploited and potentially providing resources to scavengers. We also highlight the absence of encounters with numerous species, suggesting the baboons are a key component of several species’ landscapes of fear. Given these findings it seems likely that their ecological role in the Soutpansberg has been undervalued, and such conclusions may also hold for other baboon populations.

The Indian Rock Python (Python molurus) in the Thol Lake Bird Sanctuary, Gujarat, India: Evidence of Reproduction and a Roadkill

The Indian Rock Python (Python molurus) in the Thol Lake Bird Sanctuary, Gujarat, India: Evidence of Reproduction and a Roadkill

Efficacy and safety of xylazine-ketamine combination for immobilisation of captive African rock pythons (Python sebae)

The African rock python is a cosmopolitan snake in Nigeria widely kept as a zoo animal and also in recreational facilities. There is need for chemical immobilisation of this animal species for managemental, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. A mixture of xylazine and ketamine (XK) was compared with the administration of a mixture of xylazine and normal saline solution (XS) in six captive African rock pythons in 2 trials with reference to onset and duration of anaesthesia. Changes in the heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR) and rectal temperature (RT) as well as selected biochemical parameters were recorded. Although there were no statistically significant (P>0.05) differences in HR and RR values between XK and XS treatments, significant (P<0.05) differences were recorded for RT. Nonetheless, the significant differences were of no clinical importance. It was therefore recommended to safely immobilise an African rock python using XK for a procedure lasting over 1 hour with minimal cardiopulmonary and plasma enzymatic effect. To the knowledge of the authors, this is the first study assessing the anaesthetic efficacy and safety in African Rock pythons.

Surgical management of lacerated wounds and rehabilitation of a rescued Indian rock python (Python molurus): A case report

An injured Indian Rock Python, rescued by the Forest Department of Kerala, was presented to the University Veterinary Hospital, Kokkalai, Thrissur. The lacerated wounds were cleaned and sutured under local anaesthesia. The post-operative care was given in the rescue centre of the Forest Department and the snake was released into the wild on complete wound healing.

Human–wildlife interactions and people’s attitudes towards conservation: a case study from Central Kerala, India

This paper studies the human–wildlife interaction in Central Kerala, India, and attempts to understand local people’s attitude toward wildlife and conservation. Data were collected from April 2009 to March 2014. A structured questionnaire survey was carried out among people living in the fringe areas of the forest (n = 210). Self–reported household crop loss was modelled as a function of agricultural, demographic and environmental factors. Wild pig (Sus scrofa) (57.1 %) was the main crop foraging species, followed by Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) (12.9 %). It was reported that 36 % of farmers’ annual income was lost due to crop foraging by wild animals. Leopard (Panthera pardus) (69.76 %), Indian rock python (Python molurus) (13.95 %), dhole (Cuon alpinus) (9.3 %) and stray dogs (6.97 %) were responsible for the attacks on livestock. The factors that influenced crop loss according to the farmers were the extent of agriculture land that they owned (coefficient = 0.968), the distance to reserve forest from crop fields (–0.009), and age of respondents (0.78). Due to people’s awareness concerning the importance of wildlife, reports on human–wildlife interaction in the newspapers and strict enforcement of wildlife laws, people’s attitude towards conservation of wildlife was good, and they were not taking any negative precautions against wild animals.

Indian Rock Pythons (Python molurus) rescued from fishing nets

Indian Rock Pythons (Python molurus) rescued from fishing nets

Perceptions, attitudes, and outcomes of human-snake encounters: A retrospective study of an online discussion community in Nigeria

Abstract. Babalola OJ, Jegede HO, Ogundro BN. 2020. Perceptions, attitudes, and outcomes of human-snake encounters: A retrospective study of an online discussion community in Nigeria. Asian J Ethnobiol 21: 1-9. The internet is a useful tool for obtaining data needed to study factors that hinder snake conservation especially in resource-limited settings. There is a paucity of peer-reviewed research on the use of online communities in the study of factors contributing to undesirable human-snake conflicts in Nigeria. A 12-month dataset (August 2016-July 2017) on human-snake encounters shared on Nairaland®- a popular online community forum in Nigeria - was retrieved and analyzed. Morphological characteristics observed in the snake photographs posted on the platform were used for species identification. A total of 203 human-snake encounters were recorded from 32/37 States of Nigeria. Men (n=133) reported more human-snake encounters than women (n =11) while “reporters of unspecified gender (n =59) accounted for the rest. Most postings were from the southern part of Nigeria with the highest number of postings from Lagos State (n =34). Of the 24 snake species reported in the study, the African Rock Python was the most encountered. The months of May to July recorded the highest number of snake species reported by the respondents. ‘Fear’ and ‘food’ were the major perceptions elicited by people during snake encounters. The outcome of human-snake conflicts resulted in snake deaths (n =182) irrespective of snake venomosity. Only 1.0% (n=2) of the snakes were protected from harm. This study revealed that data from online community forums are useful for retrospective studies of the perceptions and outcomes of human-snake encounters; the output of which policymakers and conservationists may find useful.

Seasonal Variation in Ecdysis Process and Parasitic Prevalence in Indian Rock Python (Python molurus)

Seasonal Variation in Ecdysis Process and Parasitic Prevalence in Indian Rock Python (Python molurus)

Erythrocyte osmotic fragility and erythrocyte sizes for captive African rock pythons (Python sebae)

The aim of the experiment was to determine the erythrocyte sizes and osmotic fragility index of the African rock python in a transitional zone. Ten African rock pythons (ARPs) were used as experimental animals. Blood samples were obtained from captive ARP by venepuncture of the ventral coccygeal vein. Erythrocyte counts, packed cell volume, mean corpuscular volume and erythrocyte sizes were determined. Erythrocytes obtained from each snake were added into saline solution of different NaCl concentrations of 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 0.9 g/100 mL, respectively. Erythrocyte osmotic fragility index was determined spectrophotometrically. Mean erythrocyte size was 76.9 ± 10.2 μm and nucleus size was 9.1 ± 2.4 μm. The mean erythrocyte count obtained was 3.3 ± 0.6 × 1012/L, the mean packed cell volume obtained was 24.0 ± 2.9%, and the mean corpuscular volume was 76.4 ± 4.9 fl. The percentage haemolysis increased significantly (P < 0.05) at 0.3 g/100 mL NaCl concentration with the value of 79.9 ± 5.6%. The result of this finding adds to already available haematological data of the ARP and also showed that their erythrocyte may be extremely fragile. More research should be done on the effect of antioxidants in improving erythrocyte fragility of ARPs in the region.

Oviposition by Indian Rock Pythons, Python molurus (Linnaeus 1758), in an artificial refuge

Oviposition by Indian Rock Pythons, Python molurus (Linnaeus 1758), in an artificial refuge

Traditional medicinal animal use by Xhosa and Sotho communities in the Western Cape Province, South Africa

BackgroundThe use of animals and animal-derived materials in traditional medicine constitutes an important part of the belief systems of indigenous African cultures. It is believed to be rapidly expanding in South Africa, where traditional healers are estimated to outnumber western doctors by 2000:1 in some areas, with an overall clientele consisting of 60–80% of South African citizens. Despite concerns about the impact of the trade in traditional medicine on biodiversity, there has been only limited research on this topic in South Africa.MethodsTraditional Xhosa and Sotho healers operating from impoverished, rural communities in the Boland Region of the Western Cape Province were consulted to provide a comprehensive inventory of the number and frequency of animals used and sold. Species richness estimators, diversity indices, and a relative cultural importance (RCI) index were used to highlight species of concern and assess market dynamics.ResultsA total of 26 broad use categories for 12 types of animal parts or products from 71 species or morphospecies were recorded. The most commonly sold items were skin pieces, oil or fat, and bones. Results showed that leopard, chacma baboon, Cape porcupine, monitor lizard species, puff adder, African rock python, and black-backed jackal were the species most used in the traditional medicinal trade.ConclusionsThis study extends existing knowledge on the trade of animals in South African healing practices and provides the first attempt in the Western Cape to quantify wildlife use for cultural traditions. The results have relevance for setting conservation priorities and may assist in effective policy development inclusive of ecological sustainability priorities, as well as cultural demands.

Rescue and Rehabilitation of an Indian Rock Python (Python Molurus): First Case Study from Pakistan

Rescue and Rehabilitation of an Indian Rock Python (Python Molurus): First Case Study from Pakistan