Earlier last week an adult female African rock python (Python natalensis) was brought to the quarantine centre at uShaka Sea World by KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife staff members who removed her from a man-vs-animal conflict situation.
Story by Ann Kunz
Photo by Hannes Steyn
On arrival she was examined by the veterinarian on duty, Dr Caryl Knox, and named R525, her admission number. She didn’t have any apparent injuries or ailments and was nearing the end of a moult, which is normal for this time of the year.
So you might wonder why KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife did not relocate her from the area of conflict to a semi- or fully-protected area. Dr Francois Lampen, principal veterinarian at uShaka Sea World, explains that animals cannot be relocated from one area to another without following responsible relocation protocols.
“Relocation dangers present themselves when a diseased animal is introduced into an area free of disease,” says Lampen. Wildlife throughout South Africa is already under threat without introducing compromised animals into disease-free areas.
Snakes pass on pneumonia, gastritis and neurological diseases from one animal to another much like humans do. In severe cases, the introduction of one animal carrying a single pathogen could wipe out an entire local snake population.
Carl Schloms examine the python
For this reason the python will spend 60 days in the quarantine facility at uShaka Sea World, undergoing tests and behaviour observation, before being declared fit for relocation.
For now, she is being housed in a temperature-controlled environment and left alone in order for her to acclimate to her temporary home. Luckily she is well nourished and it is not imperative that she begins feeding until next week when the animal care staff will begin offering her food.
During this period the animal health team will evaluate her as she moves about and feeds. It is hoped she will soon settle down and that she will receive a clean bill of health within the next 60 days. In the meantime, a suitable release site will be found for the snake.
Always contact your local environmental agency before relocating a wild animal from one habitat to another – especially if the animal has been in contact with humans or domestic animals.
Many South Africans are fearful of pythons, especially large adult ones, and many of these snakes are killed even though they are not venomous. African rock pythons are protected in South Africa as their numbers have decreased, primarily due to habitat destruction and the illegal pet trade.
Not only are they the largest snakes found in South Africa, but they are also particularly beautiful animals, which makes their skins valuable to those who trade in animal skins.
Visit uShaka’s Dangerous Creatures exhibit to see some of South Africa’s amazing snake species.