One afternoon this past week, we had a very unusual sighting, while enjoying the decadent high tea that gets spread out like a feast, fit for a king. While indulging in all the treats, little were we aware of the fact that an amazing event was occurring…
Probably near to one of those once in a lifetime sightings, this massive African Rock Python (Python sebae), entangled with its meal, and what a meal it was!
This Nyala female had fallen prey to this ambush hunter near the water right in front of the lodge, which did not count in her favour.
African Rock Pythons are highly dependent on water sources, and estivate (summer sleep opposed to hibernate which is winter sleep) during the hottest and driest parts of the year, remaining deep in burrows made by other animals.
They are opportunistic predators, and will consume almost any animal they come across which they can overpower by constriction.
Young pythons eat primarily small rodents, which make them popular with local farmers for reducing the populations of species harmful to crops, like the cane rat, but adults are capable of taking very large prey, including crocodiles, goats and gazelles.
The African Rock Python is noted for its bad temperament, and readiness to bite if harassed.
So this poor, unexpecting Nyala walked right into the deadly grip of this python, probably not expecting to meet its end.
As we watched this gigantic, silent killer, squeeze the life out of its prey, you can’t help but think about what you are looking at…
It lasted for about an hour, and the python managed to slither off into the water with its prey to sit down for dinner.
All I could utter was….AMAZING!
Probably near to one of those once in a lifetime sightings, this massive African Rock Python (Python sebae), entangled with its meal, and what a meal it was!
This Nyala female had fallen prey to this ambush hunter near the water right in front of the lodge, which did not count in her favour.
African Rock Pythons are highly dependent on water sources, and estivate (summer sleep opposed to hibernate which is winter sleep) during the hottest and driest parts of the year, remaining deep in burrows made by other animals.
They are opportunistic predators, and will consume almost any animal they come across which they can overpower by constriction.
Young pythons eat primarily small rodents, which make them popular with local farmers for reducing the populations of species harmful to crops, like the cane rat, but adults are capable of taking very large prey, including crocodiles, goats and gazelles.
The African Rock Python is noted for its bad temperament, and readiness to bite if harassed.
So this poor, unexpecting Nyala walked right into the deadly grip of this python, probably not expecting to meet its end.
As we watched this gigantic, silent killer, squeeze the life out of its prey, you can’t help but think about what you are looking at…
It lasted for about an hour, and the python managed to slither off into the water with its prey to sit down for dinner.
All I could utter was….AMAZING!
