The ball python, also known as the royal python, is a small to medium-sized snake that is native to sub-Saharan Africa. Renowned for its docile temperament and striking appearance, it is one of the most popular snakes kept as pets around the world. This species gets its common name from its unique defensive behavior; when threatened, it curls into a tight ball, tucking its head inside its coils.
Their manageable size contributes to their popularity as pets, as they are easier to house and care for compared to larger snakes. They have a stocky build, with a relatively small head and smooth scales. The coloration of these snakes is quite beautiful and variable, featuring a base color of black or dark brown with light brown or gold patterns that often resemble alien faces or other intricate designs.
One of the most distinctive aspects of ball pythons is their vast array of color and pattern morphs. Selective breeding has produced over a hundred different morphs, ranging from the striking albino to the mesmerizing spider pattern. Each morph has its own unique colors and patterns, making every snake visually unique and highly sought after among collectors and enthusiasts.
Ball pythons are primarily ground-dwelling snakes that prefer grasslands, savannahs, and sparsely wooded areas. They are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night when they venture out to hunt. Their diet in the wild consists mainly of small mammals and birds, which they subdue using their constricting power. They are non-venomous and kill their prey by coiling around it and squeezing until the prey suffocates.
Despite their popularity, ball pythons face threats from habitat loss and the pet trade. In their native Africa, they are often harvested both for the pet trade and for their skins, which are used in fashion accessories.
Distribution
Benin
Burkina Faso
Cameroon
Central Af. Rep.
Chad
Congo-Brazzaville
Côte D’ivoire
DR Congo (Kinshasa)
Gambia
Ghana
Guinea-Bissau
Guinea
Mali
Niger
Nigeria
Senegal
Sierra Leone
South Sudan
Togo
UgandaAnything we've missed?
Help us improve this page by suggesting edits. Glory never dies!
Suggest an editGet to know me
Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
