Hobbies And Interests
Common Names
The names "royal python" and "ball python" both refer to the same species of snake. They get the name "royal python" because of the tendency for African rulers to wear live pythons as jewelry. It is most often attributed to Cleopatra, who was said to wear a royal python around her waist. The name "ball python" comes from the snake's tendency to coil itself into a ball when it feels threatened. The head is always in the center of the coil, making it the most well-protected part of the snake's body. It can be rolled around when in this state.
Diet
Wild royal pythons eat mostly small mammals such as soft-furred rats, shrews and mice. Younger snakes have also been known to eat birds. Royal pythons imported from their natural habitat in the African grasslands can be picky eaters, but those that are raised in captivity tend to do a little better. Royal pythons are mostly fed frozen rats when raised in captivity. Because royal pythons are naturally picky eaters, they might not eat for several months, especially during the winter months. This is not unusual for snakes, but royal pythons should be monitored for weight loss if they go too long without food.
A Primitive Snake
The royal python is said to be a primitive snake. Unlike many other species of snake, the royal python has two fully functional lungs and vestigial hind limbs. Vestigial limbs are said to be small limbs that were once used by earlier forms of the royal python, but which have been rendered useless by evolution. These limbs can be seen in the form of tiny spurs on either side of the cloaca, or an opening in the rear of the snake that serves as the only opening for intestinal, reproductive and urinary tracts of the snake.
Royal Python Conservation
Royal pythons make very popular pets, but they are often over-collected for that reason. They are also frequently hunted as food by local natives. This has begun to have a negative effect on their population, which could pose a problem as royal pythons help control the populations of several species of small mammal. Rats and other rodents that are frequently food for royal pythons could pose a threat to the environment if their population isn't kept in check by their natural predators. Efforts have been made by African governments to conserve the royal python population before things get out of control.