Python Regius
Python regius is part of the python family. These pythons are mainly found in the western and central Africa. They require shrublands, grasslands and open forests to survive. They are found in multiple color variants such as medium brown, dark brown, black, whites and greys.
These are nonvenomous snakes but can bite when they feel danger. They are a highly sociable species of python that is commonly bred by snake enthusiasts. The snake breeders consider them a very friendly pet because of their nature, food behaviors and environmental requirements.
This python species is listed as the near threated python species because of a lot of reasons. It is mainly hunted or poached for its exporting. As mentioned above this snake species is friendly, nonvenomous and is has easy maintenance so it is kept as a pet in multiple countries. In this article we will be discussing some facts that can help people know more about this Python regius.
The python regius, commonly referred to as the ball python, earned its name due to its defensive tactics. When sensing danger, these pythons instinctively coil themselves into a ball-like structure, making it difficult for potential predators to capture them easily.
Moreover, they are also known as royal pythons, as they were once regarded as living snake jewelry by ancient African royals. These majestic creatures would adorn themselves with these pythons, symbolizing their bravery, nobility, and social standing.
One particularly fascinating and noteworthy aspect is that although native to Africa, ball pythons have been transported from the continent since 1982, with over 3,000,000 individuals being relocated to various countries and even continents. The primary motivation behind this widespread transportation is their remarkable suitability as pets.
While ball pythons are non-venomous, they are capable of delivering painful bites. Additionally, their diet primarily consists of small rodents such as rats and mice, which they detect through thermal imaging. These pythons possess heat-sensing pits located around their mouths, enabling them to detect an animal’s body heat using infrared rays. This remarkable adaptation allows them to create a thermal image of their prey and successfully hunt in complete darkness.
The python regius has been included in the IUCN Red List as a near-threatened species due to extensive poaching activities. While the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) permits the import and export of python regius under proper documentation, certain individuals or organizations engage in large-scale hunting of these species in African jungles for illegal trade.
The primary drivers behind this illicit poaching are the varied scales, the demand for their meat, and their utilization in traditional medicines. These animals are highly sought after as exotic pet snakes, given their ease of handling and amiable nature, making them popular among snake breeders.
However, it is intriguing to note that there exists a contradiction to the aforementioned perspective. Python regius holds a sacred status within African communities, representing symbols of change and transformation. In some African cultures, these snakes are believed to embody the reincarnation of departed individuals and are thought to bring either good or bad fortune to those who encounter them.
Given this reverence for the species, it begs the question of why some individuals still choose to partake in poaching these animals, despite their sacred significance.
References —
· https://spiritanimalsandsymbolism.com/python-spiritual-meaning-symbolism-and-totem/