The African continent is home to a diverse array of snake species, some of which rank among the largest in the world. While snakes are often feared, most are not aggressive and prefer to avoid confrontation.
The largest living snakes in the world, measured either by length or by weight, are various members of the Boidae and Pythonidae families, which are constrictors. There are fourteen or fifteen living snake species that clearly have a maximum mass of at least 50 lb (23 kg). These include all species that reach a length of at least 20 ft (6 m). There are also two other species that reach nearly this length - the Oenpelli python (binomial name Nyctophilopython oenpelliensis, Simalia oenpelliensis or Morelia oenpelliensis), and the olive python (Liasis olivaceus).
It is important to be aware that there is considerable variation in the maximum reported size of these species, and most measurements are not truly verifiable, so the sizes listed should not be considered definitive. Although weight is easier to measure reliably than length (e.g., by simply measuring the weight of a container with and without the snake inside it and subtracting one measurement from the other), a significant factor in the weight of a snake is whether it has been kept in captivity and provided an unusual abundance of food in conditions that also cause reduced levels of activity.
Moreover, the weight of wild specimens is often reduced as a symptom of parasite infestations that are eliminated by veterinary care in captivity. Thus, the largest weights measured for captive specimens often greatly exceed the largest weights observed in the wild for the same species. This phenomenon may particularly affect the weight measurements for anaconda species that are especially difficult to keep in captivity due to their semi-aquatic nature, resulting in other species having larger weights measured in captivity.
Size comparison of the largest snakes in the world.
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Key African Snake Species
Here are some of the notable big snake species found in Africa:
1. African Rock Python (Python sebae)
The largest snake in Africa is the African rock python. These hulking reptiles can reach 20 feet in length, though most don’t exceed 15 feet. As members of the python family, African rock pythons lack venom, relying instead on their heavy bodies and strong muscles to constrict prey when they need a meal. African rock pythons are yellow with dark brown blotches and long, pointed heads. They live primarily in sub-Saharan Africa. Their preferred habitats include grasslands, forested areas, savannas, and rocky or semi-arid regions.
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 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 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).
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. The 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.
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The Central African rock python is found throughout much of tropical sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal east to Ethiopia and Somalia and south to northern Angola and northern Tanzania. The Central African rock python inhabits a wide range of habitats, including forest, savanna, grassland, semidesert, and rocky areas.
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 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.
African Rock Python.
2. Black Mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis)
One of Africa’s most famous, and feared, snakes, the black mamba can grow to nearly 15 feet. They have slender bodies, with narrow heads, black eyes, and gray to yellow or brown coloring.
The second-longest venomous snake in the world is possibly the African black mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis), which can grow up to 4.5 m (15 ft).
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Black Mamba.
3. Egyptian Cobra (Naja haje)
Adults can reach over eight feet long, though the average length is closer to five feet, and weigh up to 20 pounds. Egyptian cobras live in disjunctive areas in northern and central Africa.
They may not be the biggest, but Egyptian cobras are certainly one of the largest snakes in Africa. The Egyptian cobra possesses a large hood.
Egyptian Cobra.
4. Green Mamba (Dendroaspis viridis)
The green mamba grows to a maximum length of around seven feet long. They’re exceptionally thin snakes that spend most of their time in the trees. In consequence, they’re rarely seen by humans until it’s too late to avoid a bite. Green mambas live in only a few areas of coastal southern and eastern Africa.
Green Mamba.
5. Black Necked Spitting Cobra (Naja nigricollis)
One of the largest snakes in Africa, the black necked spitting cobra can reach up to seven feet in length. Their backs and sides are entirely black in color, with yellow-orange undersides reaching to the neck. Black necked spitting cobras have a wide distribution across most of central Africa.
Black Necked Spitting Cobra.
6. Boomslang (Dispholidus typus)
These aren’t the largest snakes in Africa, but for tree-dwelling snakes, they’re very large. Boomslangs grow up to six feet long, with bright green coloration and large eyes. They’re extremely venomous, though bites to humans are rare. They can be found in sub-Saharan Africa in forested areas.
Boomslang.
7. Cape Cobra (Naja nivea)
One of the smaller members of the cobra family, the cape cobra grows up to six feet long. Like other species of cobra, they have wide neck hoods made of flattened ribs. They range in color from yellow to brown, often with darker-colored necks and hoods.
Cape Cobra.
8. Puff Adder (Bitis arietans)
It may not be one of the largest snakes in Africa, but the puff adder occasionally grows to an admirable six feet long. Most puff adders don’t exceed four feet though. Like the carpet viper, they’re highly venomous and responsible for many snakebites.
Puff Adder.
9. Gaboon Viper (Bitis gabonica)
These snakes may not be the longest in Africa, but they are some of the heaviest. Gaboon vipers reach a maximum length of around five feet but weigh upwards of 25 pounds. They’re entirely terrestrial, making their home in forested areas among leaf litter. Gaboon vipers have highly toxic venom, but bites to people rarely occur.
While not the longest, the Gaboon viper is a contender for the heaviest title among African snakes.
Gaboon Viper.
10. Carpet Viper (Echis carinatus)
Carpet vipers grow to a maximum length of three feet. But despite their relatively small size, they’re responsible for more deaths than almost any other snake in Africa. Like other members of the viper family, carpet vipers have extremely potent venom.
Carpet Viper.
Conservation Status
The Central African rock python is threatened by hunting for leather in some areas. Consequently, it is listed as a Near threatened species. Some of the Central African rock python's habitats are also known to be under threat.
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 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.
