Royal Pythons (Python regius), sometimes called Ball pythons, come from West Africa, where they live mainly in grasslands, especially along river courses. They are one of the smaller species of pythons, growing to a maximum of about two metres, but usually remaining about one metre or slightly more in length.

What they lack in length, they make up for in girth, however, and royal pythons are one of the heaviest snakes for their size. Although their markings vary from snake to snake, they are invariably dark brown and tan, or dark brown and gold in colour. Many people regard them as one of the most handsome species of snakes, and their common name reflects the high esteem in which they are held.

Royal Pythons are among the most inoffensive  snakes. Although they would be capable of giving  a painful (though harmless) bite, they rarely do so. Their first line of defence is to remain motionless in the hope that their markings will help them blend in with their surroundings. If this fails they often roll up into a ball, with their head tucked into the middle, out of harms way. Their alternative common name, Ball Python, refers to this behaviour.

Royal Pythons make excellent mothers. In common with other species of python, they coil around their large white eggs (typically 4 to 6) after they have laid them. This helps to hide the eggs, which would be conspicuous otherwise, and also to enable them to be defended against predators. Furthermore, by coiling around their eggs, females may help to maintain them at a warmer, steadier temperature and so speed up their incubation. The eggs hatch after about two months, throughout this period the female remains coiled around her eggs, to the extent that, she will go without food for this whole period. Once the eggs have hatched, she takes no further interest in her offspring, which are capable of fending for themselves.

Royal Pythons feed on rodents and birds, which they ambush by lying motionless in a likely spot, waiting for a meal to come wandering past. Then they strike quickly, their heavy body anchoring them to the ground. As the snake grasps the prey, it throws two or three coils around its body, preventing it from breathing and cutting off its blood circulation. Like many snakes, Royal Pythons are important predators of pest species, helping to keep their numbers under control without the need for chemical poisons or inhumane traps.

Collection of wild pythons for the pet trade has had a negative impact on certain populations, and the trade in pythons of all types is regulated under the convention on international trade in endangered species (CITES). Measures such as these are essential if useful and beautiful animals such as these are to survive.

The above photo's are a fine example of Pi-bald Ball Pythons captive bred in the UK.