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African Hunts: The Central African Rock Python

The Central African Rock Python allows for an exciting hunting adventure!

The Central African Rock Python is a nocturnal reptile found in sub-Saharan Africa. Known as being extremely aggressive and delivering a powerful and painful bite, it is listed with a status of “near threatened” by the IUCN. For those interested in participating in African hunts targeting the Central African Rock Python, South Africa would not be an option, as they are a protected species within the country.

Central African Rock Pythons inhabit a wide range of environments, including forests, grasslands, savannas, rocky areas, as well as semi-arid regions. They enjoy living in areas near water, such as rivers, dams, lakes, and estuaries.

They consume a wide variety of prey, from monkeys, warthogs, and crocodiles, to monitor lizards, rats, and mice, they are large carnivores who are not to be messed with. The Central African rock python is also known to target the pups of African wild dogs, as well as the cubs of cats such as the lion, leopard, and cheetah.

They are non-venomous restrictors, consuming their prey whole, greatly feared by many, and often killed on sight. For hunters wishing to experience an adrenaline-filled safari hunting adventure, this reptile remains a challenging target.

AT A GLANCE

Name:
Python sebae

Male Weight:
96-121 pounds

Length:
10-16 feet

Range:
Sub-Saharan Africa

Life span:
12-30 years

Hunting Central African Rock Python

Read more about hunting techniques when targeting this reptile.

Size and Appearance

African hunts featuring the Central African Rock Python suggest that you not only monitor bushes and shrubs on the ground when searching for this game hunting trophy, but also trees due to their climbing skills and water, as they are excellent swimmers. They have triangular heads, with thick bodies. Their scales are small and smooth. Adult snakes can reach 10-16ft in length, with females being larger than males. The background color of the snake is brownish-gray to tannish-brown. This background color is broken by dark patches that are bordered by black and white.

Hunting Methods

When on an African hunt, there are two main methods of targeting this snake. Firstly, the walk-and-stalk method, with a purely incidental encounter occurs. Secondly, a game hunting safari might see the area where a python has been spotted being monitored by trackers. These snakes can take refuge in a hollow tree, empty burrow or den, and even a termite mound. Once spotted, follow-up trips can be taken during the hunt to ascertain whether the python has left its refuge or not.

Challenges and Rewards

While being an exciting hunting adventure, the Central African Rock Python remains a challenge to hunt as it is a nocturnal reptile with varying camouflage spots, from being in the water, to on the ground and even hiding in trees.

Rifles and Requirements

When enjoying African hunts targeting the Central African Rock Python, a 12-gauge shotgun would be the weapon of choice for this safari hunting adventure. Utilize a shell with fine pellets, or you may run the risk of damage to your game hunting trophy.