Python anchietae
| Python anchietae | |
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Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Pythonidae |
| Genus: | Python |
| Species: | P. anchietae
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| Binomial name | |
| Python anchietae Bocage, 1887
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| Synonyms[2] | |
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Python anchietae (with common names Angolan python and Anchieta's dwarf python)[3] is a python species endemic to southern Africa. According to Donald George Broadley (1990), this species is most closely related to the ball python (P. regius) of western Africa,[3] and no subspecies are currently recognized.[4] It is named after the Portuguese naturalist and explorer José Alberto de Oliveira Anchieta.[5] Like all other pythons, it is not venomous.
Description
Python anchietae may grow up to 183 cm (6 ft) in total length (including tail). The color pattern is a reddish-brown to brown to almost black ground, overlaid with irregular white or cream-colored bands and spots. The belly is yellowish. A rare species seldom seen in the wild or in captivity, it is the only python to have "bead-like" head scales.[3] It has heat sensitive pits, five on each side of the head, on the upper lip. The smooth dorsal scales are arranged in 57-61 rows.[6]
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Distribution and habitat
Python anchietae is found in Africa in southern Angola and northern Namibia. The type locality given is "Catumbella [Catumbela]" near Lobito, Angola.[2][4] Habitats are rocky outcrops or areas strewn with rocks in open brush or grassland.[3] Diurnal, they shelter in small caves, overhangs and crevices.
Behaviour and biology
Python anchietae exhibits similar temperament to its closest cousin, the ball python. It hisses, but this is mostly bluff.[3] Diet consists of small mammals and birds.[3] P. anchietae is oviparous, with small clutches of four to five eggs being produced at a time, though long term captive specimens have been known to produce up to 16 eggs in one clutch. The species' eggs have been successfully maternally incubated as well as artificially incubated in captivity. There are a handful of captive produced specimens in private collections and zoos. The pet trade is nearly absent of Angolan Python, demanding high prices when they do occur in a pet store. Hatchlings are 43–46 cm (17-18 inches) in length.[3]
Captivity
Python anchietae is rare in captivity due to the long civil war in Angola. Although the war is over, the fields and forests are covered with land mines, and few dare to risk catching them.
The specimens that have made it into captivity are highly sought after. They are often compared to their close relative, the Ball Python, which could not be further from the fact. Captive Angolan Pythons thrive with temperatures in the Mid 80's. A well established Python anchietae is a very hearty animal that can handle temperature variation on occasion with no issue. The biggest issue in captive animals that this species has is often overfed which ultimately leads to it's demise. Angolan Python is a slow growing species, reproductive maturity is generally 7 to 9 years of age for females, in males 5 years. Feeding Angolan Pythons properly is paramount to captive survival. A proper captive feeding regimine should be as such: Hatchling to 2 years old should be fed 1 prey item of appropriate size every 14 days, raising prey size as needed. Rats tend to be a favorite of this species. After 2 years feed either 1 smaller prey item every 14 days or on slightly larger prey item once every 21 days. Once the animal hits sexual maturity at 7 to 9 years old, feed 1 retired breeder rat every 60 days. Though the species generally will eat anytime offered, a proper feeding regimine, along with proper husbandry, is the most important key to the longevity of captive Angolan Pythons. ythona[7]
References
- ^ Baptista, N.; Becker, F.; Conradie, W.; Bauer, A.M. & Ceríaco, L.M.P. (2021). "Python anchietae". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2021: e.T177539A120594491. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-2.RLTS.T177539A120594491.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
- ^ a b McDiarmid, R.W. [in French]; Campbell, J.A.; Touré, T.A. (1999). Snake Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference. Vol. 1. Washington, District of Columbia: Herpetologists' League. ISBN 1-893777-01-4.
- ^ a b c d e f g Mehrtens JM (1987). Living Snakes of the World in Color. New York: Sterling Publishers. 480 pp. ISBN 0-8069-6460-X.
- ^ a b Python anchietae at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 25 September 2020.
- ^ Beolens, Bo; Watkins, Michael; Grayson, Michael (2011). The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5. (Python anchietae, p. 8).
- ^ Branch, Bill (2004). Field Guide to Snakes and other Reptiles of Southern Africa. Third Revised edition, Second Impression. Sanibel Island, Florida: Ralph Curtis Books. 399 pp. (Python anchietae, p. 59 + Plate 17).
- ^ "Angolan Python". Reptile Range. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
Further reading
- Bocage JVB (1887). "Sur un Python nouveau d'Afrique ". Jornal de sciencias mathematicas physicas e naturaes, Lisboa [12] (46): 87–88. (Python anchietae, new species). (in French).