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48-701: The Wonderfonteinspruit is a small river situated in the Highveld region of South Africa . Its source has been disputed in the past, although it is now accepted that the river originates in the West Rand of Gauteng between Krugersdorp and Randfontein , at the Tudor Dam, which was initially used as a storage dam for the Luiperdsvlei Gold Plant. In the past the river received a majority of its water from karst springs along its course. The river flows through one of

96-453: A 4.9m African Rock Python consumed a 59-kg impala. Reproduction occurs in the spring. Central African rock pythons are oviparious , laying between 20 and 100 hard-shelled, elongated eggs in an old animal burrow, termite mound, or cave. The female shows a surprising level of maternal care, coiling around the eggs, protecting them from predators, and possibly helping to incubate them, until they hatch around 90 days later. The female guards

144-569: A Central African rock python was found in the Florida Everglades . It is feared to be establishing itself as an invasive species alongside the already-established Burmese python . Feral rock pythons were also noted in the 1990s in the Everglades. The Central African rock python inhabits a wide range of habitats, including forest, savanna, grassland, semidesert, and rocky areas. It is particularly associated with areas of permanent water, and

192-400: A delicacy, which may pose a threat to its population. The Central African rock python is in the genus Python , large constricting snakes found in the moist tropics of Asia and Africa. P. sebae was first described by Johann Friedrich Gmelin , a German naturalist, in 1789. Therefore, he is also the taxon author of the species. The generic name Python is a Greek word referring to

240-441: A variety of large rodents, monkeys, warthogs, antelopes, vultures, fruit bats, monitor lizards, crocodiles, and more in forest areas, and on rats, poultry, dogs, and goats in suburban areas. It will sometimes take fish as well. Occasionally, it may eat the cubs of big cats such as leopards, lions, and cheetahs, cubs of hyenas, and puppies of wild dogs such as jackals and Cape hunting dogs. . However, these encounters are very rare, as

288-557: Is Botha's lark ( Spizocorys fringillaris ) and the two endemic mammals – the Free State pygmy mouse ( Mus orangiae ) and the rough-haired golden mole ( Chrysospalax villosa ). As well as the python, other reptiles include the Nile crocodile ( Crocodylus niloticus ), Nile monitor ( Varanus niloticus ), rock monitor ( Varanus albigularis ), and giant girdled lizard or sungazer ( Smaug giganteus ). Like many other areas of grassland all over

336-511: Is a species of large constrictor snake in the family Pythonidae . The species is native to sub-Saharan Africa . It is one of 10 living species in the genus Python . Africa's largest snake and one of the eight largest snake species in the world (along with the green anaconda , reticulated python , Burmese python , Southern African rock python , Indian python , yellow anaconda and Australian scrub python ), specimens may approach or exceed 6 m (20 ft). The southern species

384-653: Is also likely to occur in a number of protected areas, such as the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, a World Heritage site. In the Florida Everglades, where the Central African rock python is an invasive species and posing a threat to indigenous wildlife, it has no protected status and is one of the species listed on a hunting program recently authorized by state officials to eradicate non-native reptiles,

432-399: Is at Tudor Dam, which gets its water from underground pumping and urban runoff . The dam is heavily criticised for heavy metals and water pollution. From there the river flows into Lancaster Dam, which was once a popular recreational destination before being drained due to pollution. The river flows westward from there through the township of Kagiso until it reaches Donaldson Dam just outside

480-504: Is found on the edges of swamps, lakes, and rivers. The snake also readily adapts to disturbed habitats, so is often found around human habitation, especially cane fields. Like all pythons, the Central African rock python is non-venomous and kills by constriction. After gripping the prey, the snake coils around it, tightening its coils every time the victim breathes out. Death is thought to be caused by cardiac arrest rather than by asphyxiation or crushing. The African rock python feeds on

528-418: Is generally smaller than its northern relative but in general, the Central African rock python is regarded as one of the longest species of snake in the world. The snake is found in a variety of habitats, from forests to near deserts, although usually near sources of water. The snake becomes dormant during the dry season . The Central African rock python kills its prey by constriction and often eats animals up to

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576-523: Is listed as a Near threatened species. It is also collected for the pet trade, although it is not generally recommended as a pet due to its large size and unpredictable temperament. Little information is available on levels of international trade in this species. Some of the Central African rock python's habitats are also known to be under threat. For example, mangrove and rainforest habitats and their snake communities are under serious threat in southeastern Nigeria from habitat destruction and exploration for

624-454: Is on average less heavily built than the green anaconda . The species may be the second heaviest living snake with some authors agreeing that it can exceptionally exceed 90 kg (200 lb). One specimen, reportedly 7 m (23 ft 0 in) in length, was killed by K. H. Kroft in 1958 and was claimed to have had a 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) juvenile Nile crocodile in its stomach. An even larger specimen considered authentic

672-609: The Daily Nation . In some parts of eastern Nigeria, particularly in the towns of Idemili in Anambra, the python is revered as a sacred symbol of the deity Eke Idemili. Similarly, in Njaba , the Eke Njaba, a harmless snake regarded as the deity's property, is also held in high esteem. This reverence is so deeply ingrained culturally that even Christians in these areas have not fully renounced

720-617: The Drakensberg ) rises to over 3000 m and forms the boundary between KwaZulu-Natal and Lesotho. The latter mountainous region is, however, not generally referred to as Highveld, whose boundary at this point runs just inside the Lesotho-Free State border, about 2,000 m (6,600 ft). From its eastern boundary, the Highveld slopes gently downwards to be bounded by the Great Karoo to

768-483: The Congo Basin , the proportion of large-bodied snakes offered at rural bushmeat markets increases. Consequently, a large proportion of the human population faces the threat of Armillifer armillatus infections, a python-borne zoonotic disease . People are often fearful of large pythons and may kill them on sight. The Central African rock python is threatened by hunting for leather in some areas. Consequently, it

816-779: The Welverdiend Wetland. From there the river flows into three more private farm dams before it 'disappears' and resurfaces at the two Turffontein eyes. It continues from there for its last 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) until its convergence with the Mooi River . The river currently has six impoundments along its course, which include Donaldson Dam's top and bottom lakes, Abe Bailey Dam and three small farm dams west of Welverdiend. There are also three decommissioned dams - Tudor Dam, Lancaster Dam and Harry's Dam. These dams were deemed unsafe for public use due to acid mine runoff and waterborne radioactive materials, including uranium. Previously,

864-460: The common duiker , steenbok , grey rhebok and klipspringer are found in their natural habitat along the river, as well as: as well as various other small rodents, feral animals and livestock. Large leopard tortoises can still be found near the river, a rare sight for such endangered species. Large African rock pythons 5.5–6 metres (18–20 ft) have frequently been seen along with rinkhals , boomslang , and other snakes. Lizards such as

912-847: The enormous serpent at Delphi slain by Apollo in Greek mythology . The specific name sebae is a latinization of the surname of Dutch zoologist, Albertus Seba . Common name usage varies with the species referred to as the African rock python or simply the rock python. Africa's largest snake species and one of the world's largest, the Central African rock python adult measures 3 to 3.53 m (9 ft 10 in to 11 ft 7 in) in total length (including tail), with only unusually large specimens likely to exceed 4.8 m (15 ft 9 in). Reports of specimens over 6 m (19 ft 8 in) are considered reliable, although larger specimens have never been confirmed. Weights are reportedly in

960-530: The grassland acts as a natural filter, providing sources of clean water. Naturally occurring vegetation in the Highveld consists of different types of well-established grassland depending on the varying amounts of rainfall across the area: subtropical and temperate grassland , with true savannah not dominating the ecosystem until more tropical latitudes. The major grass species are Hyparrhenia hirta and Sporobolus pyramidalis and among these are other grasses and herbs. Trees and shrubs never thrived due to

1008-465: The rock monitor lizard , flap-necked chameleon , Transvaal girdled lizard and various skinks and geckos live in the area. African bullfrogs , tree frogs , common caco , and various toads are among the amphibians inhabiting the river. The following fish can be found along the entire course of the river: The Wondefonteinspruit below the 1m pipeline has additional fish species, including: There are also oreochromis and tilapia hybrids in

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1056-760: The Free State, sometimes interrupted by rocky ridges such as the Witwatersrand , the Magaliesberg , and Vredefort Dome . The Vaal River and its tributaries form the main water drainage system of the Highveld. Tributaries of the Orange River drain the most southerly regions of the Highveld. The Highveld rainy season occurs in summer, with substantial afternoon thunderstorms being typical occurrences in November, December, and January. Frost occurs in winter. Cities located on

1104-526: The Highveld include Johannesburg , Pretoria , Bloemfontein , Vereeniging , Welkom , Carletonville , and the cities of the West Rand and East Rand . The diamond-mining city of Kimberley lies on the border of the Highveld and the southeastern Kalahari. About half of the gold ever produced in the world has been mined on the Highveld since 1880. The largest deposits are located in the Witwatersrand, which centres on Johannesburg, with smaller deposits in

1152-705: The Mpumalanga Lowveld , (containing, amongst others, the Kruger National Park ). Another well defined boundary is to its north where the Magaliesberg separates the Highveld from the Bushveld. The continuation of the Great Escarpment to the south separates the Highveld from KwaZulu-Natal. The south-eastern portion of the Great Escarpment (that portion of the Great Escarpment most commonly referred to as

1200-407: The adult cats can easily kill pythons or fend them off. On March 1, 2017, a 3.9-m (12-ft 10-in) African rock python was filmed eating a large adult male spotted hyena weighing 70 kg (150 lb). This encounter suggests that the snake might very well be capable of hunting and killing larger and more dangerous animals than previously thought. The largest ever recorded meal of any snake was when

1248-448: The dams had been utilized for recreation (Tudor and Lancaster Dams) and for living (e.g. fishing for food, drinking water for cattle and irrigation). Harry's Dam also leaked water into the dewatered compartments, causing problems for the mining companies responsible for the dewatering. Wetlands in the area include Kagiso Wetland, Abe Bailey Wetland and Welverdiend Wetland. At least 250 different bird species have been spotted in and around

1296-428: The eye, there is a distinctive triangular marking, the subocular mark . Like all pythons, the scales of the African rock python are small and smooth. Those around the lips possess heat-sensitive pits , which are used to detect warm-blooded prey, even in the dark. Pythons also possess two functioning lungs, unlike more advanced snakes, which have only one, and also have small, visible pelvic spurs , believed to be

1344-413: The frequent fires that occurred in the dry season and the heavy grazing (once by wild animals and now by livestock ). The Highveld is home to a number of endangered animals, including straw-coloured fruit bats ; Africa's largest snake, the African rock python ( Python sebae ); mountain zebras ; and South Africa's national bird, the blue crane ( Anthropoides paradiseus ). The only endemic bird species

1392-438: The hatchlings for up to two weeks after they hatch from their eggs to protect them from predators in a manner unusual for snakes in general and pythons in particular. Hatchlings are between 45 and 60 cm (17.5 and 23.5 in) in length and appear virtually identical to adults, except with more contrasting colors. Individuals may live over 12 years in captivity. Documented attacks on humans are exceptionally rare, despite

1440-619: The northern Free State near Welkom and Virginia . The Highveld is also exceedingly rich in diamonds , coal , vanadium , and manganese . The pollution in this region is also very high principally due to coal thermal power stations producing nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide . Agriculture on the Highveld is generally dominated by extensive grain production and the grazing of beef cattle , with more intensive production of maize , wheat , sorghum , citrus fruits , groundnuts , sunflowers , and vegetables , occurring in irrigated areas and farmland closer to urban areas. The peat base of

1488-591: The oil industry. The Central African rock python is still relatively common in many regions across Africa, and may adapt to disturbed habitats, provided that food is available. The Central African rock python's population in West Africa has suffered greatly, whilst the Southern African species has fared better. This species is heavily exploited throughout its West African range, particularly for bushmeat and leather, and high rates of decline have been reported within

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1536-522: The others being the Burmese python , reticulated python , green anaconda , and Nile monitor . Luo people of Kenya living mainly in the area near Lake Victoria generally consider snakes to be evil and believe that sorcerers make them harm people. They express a different attitude towards pythons - such as making them appear in play songs and even worshiping them. The Luo call the Central African rock python ng'ielo in their language , and with

1584-402: The range of 55 to 65 kg (121 to 143 lb) or more. Exceptionally large specimens may weigh 91 kg (201 lb) or more. On average, large adults of Central African rock pythons are quite heavily built, perhaps more so than most specimens of the somewhat longer reticulated as well as Indian and Burmese pythons and far more so than the amethystine python , although the species

1632-604: The region. These declines appear to exceed 60% over three generations. However, both subspecies have faced declines in population and consequently it is at high risk of being a threatened species. It is listed on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, meaning international trade in Central African rock pythons should be carefully monitored and controlled, giving wild populations some protection from overcollection for pets and skins. The species

1680-407: The richest gold-producing areas in the world, which led to the dolomitic compartments which fed the river being dewatered to make way for mining activities. This led to the drying up of the karst springs that fed the river. The river owes its name to the number of karst springs observed along its course by the early settlers in the area. Emil Holub wrote about the pristine beauty of the area along

1728-404: The river and its magnificent karst features. These include the river disappearing into the ground and reappearing kilometers downstream, as well as isolated deep crystal clear pools up to 150 feet (46 m) deep with no apparent inlet or outlet within the vicinity of the river. Hence the name Wonderfonteinspruit (wonder-fountain-stream). The river's natural source is unknown. Its current source

1776-483: The river, due to fish stocking in settling ponds and golf course dams belonging to the mine, and the unsuccessful attempt at starting a fishery by a farmer, who later released his stock into the canal adjoining the settling ponds to the Wonderfonteinspruit. 26°15′17″S 27°43′06″E  /  26.2547°S 27.7182°E  / -26.2547; 27.7182 Highveld The Highveld constitutes almost

1824-432: The river. There is a wide variety of habitats along the river course including wetlands , impoundments, grassland , scrubland , riverine forest, thornveldt , rocky outcrops and both rural and urban settlements. Some notable birds include: Large game such as black wildebeest , Burchell's zebra , blesbok and springbok are limited to the nature reserves and private game farms bordering the river. Other antelope such as

1872-399: The size of antelope, occasionally even crocodiles. The snake reproduces by egg-laying. Unlike most snakes, the female protects her nest and sometimes even her hatchlings. The snake is widely feared, though it is nonvenomous and very rarely kills humans. Although the snake is not endangered, it does face threats from habitat reduction and hunting. Some cultures in sub-Saharan Africa consider it

1920-506: The songs containing a phrase ng'ielo jadhogre “python the coiling”, children make a line and imitate a python's motion. When the Luo worship a python, they call her Omieri (or Omweri) a returning python-spirit. The python is then seen as a reincarnation of Omieri, Goddess of Harvest and linked with rain and fertility. One which appeared in 2003 raised international controversy over how she should be treated, with coverage from BBC News through

1968-652: The south, the Kalahari desert to the west, the Bushveld to the north, the Mpumalanga Lowveld to the northeast, KwaZulu-Natal to the east, and the Lesotho Highlands, or Mountains , to the southeast. The Highveld covers an area of almost 400,000 km (150,000 sq mi), or roughly 30% of South Africa's land area. The Highveld terrain is generally devoid of mountains, consisting of rolling plains, especially in

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2016-493: The species being common in many regions of Africa, and living in diverse habitats including those with agricultural activity. Few deaths are well-substantiated, with no reports of a human being consumed. Large specimens (which are more common in Western Africa) "would have no difficulty in eating adult humans", though it would have to be a small adult human. As the mammalian and avian game populations are gradually depleted in

2064-399: The township of Bekkersdal . Just after Donaldson Dam, the river flows into a 1 metre (3.3 ft) diameter pipeline which transports it over the dewatered dolomitic compartments to just outside Carletonville . There it forms a large wetland area known as Abe Bailey Wetlands, part of Abe Bailey Nature Reserve and Abe Bailey Dam (Padda Dam). After Abe Bailey Dam's wall it flows as a stream to

2112-483: The vestiges of hind limbs. The Southern African rock python and the Central African rock python differ in the following ways: The Central African rock python is found throughout almost the whole of sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal east to Ethiopia and Somalia and south to Namibia and South Africa. P. sebae ranges across central and western Africa, while P. natalensis has a more eastern and southerly range, from southern Kenya to South Africa. In 2009,

2160-557: The whole of the Free State , and Gauteng Provinces, and portions of the surrounding areas: the western rim of Lesotho, and portions of the Eastern Cape , Northern Cape , North West , Limpopo , and Mpumalanga Provinces of South Africa. The highest part of the Highveld, around 2,100 m (6,900 ft), is its northeastern well-defined boundary, where the plateau escarpment (the Mpumalanga Drakensberg ) separates it from

2208-800: The world, the Highveld is excellent agricultural land and most of the area has been converted for farming. The grassland areas now remaining in the natural state are in various nature reserves, which, although a small portion of the Highveld, are still the largest areas of remaining grassland in South Africa . The protected areas include Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve , Verloren Valei Nature Reserve , Nooitgedacht Dam Nature Reserve , Bronkhorstspruit Dam Nature Reserve, Vaal Dam Nature Reserve, and Koppies Dam Nature Reserves and Willem Pretorius Game Reserve . 27°S 28°E  /  27°S 28°E  / -27; 28 African rock python The Central African rock python ( Python sebae )

2256-436: Was allegedly 9.96 m (32.7 ft) long. The Central African rock python's body is thick and covered with colored blotches, often joining up in a broad, irregular stripe. Body markings vary between brown, olive, chestnut, and yellow, but fade to white on the underside. The head is triangular and is marked on top with a dark brown “spear-head” outlined in buffy yellow. Teeth are many, sharp, and backwardly curved. Under

2304-523: Was shot in the Gambia and measured 7.5 m (24 ft 7 in). The snake varies considerably in body size between different areas. In general, it is smaller in highly populated regions, such as in southern Nigeria , only reaching its maximum length in areas such as Sierra Leone , where the human population density is lower. Males are typically smaller than females . One individual captured in Cote d'Ivoire

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