Scientific Name
Python regius
Other Common Name(s)
Royal Python
Body Weight
Up to 4 kg
Body Length
Up to 1.8 m
Habitat
Diet
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.
Distribution
Threats & Conservation
Threats & Conservation
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.
IUCN Red List
Near Threatened
CITES
Appendix II
Conservation Regulations
Protected under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) in Hong Kong
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.
