Python hatchlings arrive… finally
Python hatchlings are usually 60-70cm in length and once grown, can reach up to six metres.
In January this year, a Widenham resident was left gobsmacked after sighting a massive Southern African Python on her property.
The woman, who feared for the safety of her pet dogs, contacted Crocworld Conservation Centre who sent out their reptile curator, Wade Killian, and Animal Care Team member, Mdu Nunwana, to capture the snake.
Once the duo arrived at the house, it was discovered that the python was in fact female, and she was found burrowed with her eggs.
“Female Southern African pythons lay their eggs in abandoned burrows or in mounds of vegetation and remain with the eggs throughout the incubation period until the offspring hatch and then disperse soon after,” explained Mr Killian.
Together with Mr Nunwana, the python was safely removed from the property and released into a suitable habitat the very next day.
The eggs were placed in an incubator back at Crocworld, and after a long waiting period they finally hatched and were also released.
Python hatchlings are usually 60-70cm in length and once grown, can reach up to six metres.
Mr Killian added that these snakes are generally found around water sources from which they often ambush their prey, which explains what it was doing at the Widenham property which is in close proximity to a river.
“These pythons are a protected species in South Africa as they are highly sought after for bushmeat and traditional medicine,” said Mr Killian.
Crocworld offers a free service of identifying and removing snakes for the residents of Scottburgh and surrounding areas, and can be contacted at 039 9761103.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
