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Reptiles

Ball Python

Scientific Name

Python regius

Other Common Name(s)

Royal Python

Body Weight

Up to 4 kg

Body Length

Up to 1.8 m

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Close-up of a brown and white patterned snake's head and body.

Habitat

Grasslands and forests
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Diet

Small mammals, such as rats and jerboas, as well as birds
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Fun Facts

  • Ball pythons get their name from the habit of curling into a ball with the head tucked in the middle when they rest or get frightened.

  • Although non-venomous, ball pythons have over 100 teeth to firmly grip their prey, before using their bodies to constrict the animal until it suffocates.

  • Coiled ball python with tan and dark brown patterns on wood chips.

    Distribution

    Central and Western Africa, including countries such as Uganda, Nigeria, Ghana and Guinea

    Threats & Conservation

    Threats & Conservation

    Threats

    • An axe and a hexagonal grid with red dotsAn axe and a hexagonal grid with red dots

      Overexploitation of Biological Resources

    Ball pythons face their biggest threat from the illegal pet trade, which has caused them to disappear from parts of Western Africa. They are also hunted for food, traditional medicine, or leather production. Additionally, agricultural development and the use of pesticides have led to the loss of their habitats.

    Conservation

    IUCN Red List categories with 'Near Threatened' highlighted. Categories include EW, CR, EN, VU, NT, LC, DD.
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    IUCN Red List

    • Near Threatened

    CITES

    • Appendix II

    Conservation

    • Protected under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) in Hong Kong

    Ocean Park's Conservation Efforts

    Ball pythons are not native to Hong Kong. The ball pythons in the Park were confiscated by the government from the illegal trade. They now live in the Park as animal ambassadors, eliminating potential impacts on the local ecosystem.

    Support Mission R to protect animals & plants!

    Saving Species & Habitats

    Learn More
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    Fun Activities

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    Animal Fun Talk (Ball Python / Owl)

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    ACCREDITED BY THE ASSOCIATION OF ZOOS & AQUARIUMSACCREDITED BY THE ASSOCIATION OF ZOOS & AQUARIUMS
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    Ocean Park Corporation is a charitable institution registered with Inland Revenue Department, Hong Kong (File No: 91/2801).

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