Royal Python
Python regius
Royal pythons are also known as ball pythons. They are one of the smaller python species, only growing to around 1.5m in length.
Measurements
Size: Up to 1.5m
Weight: 1.5 - 2.5kg
Habitat
Royal (or ball) pythons are found in the rain forests of West Africa, particularly Ghana and Togo. Although they can climb, they spend most of their time on the ground.
Diet
All snakes are carnivores (meat eaters). Royal pythons eat rodents and in the wild they feed almost exclusively on gerbils.
Breeding
Female royal pythons lay eggs, which they curl round and incubate. Pythons can live for up to 40 years.
Conservation
Royal pythons are threatened by the international pet trade, as well as hunting for meat and leather. Habitat loss and modification also pose secondary threats to this species.
Threat Level
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