Ball python

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A reference overview

The ball python (Python regius), also called the royal python, is a python species native to West and Central Africa, where it lives in grasslands, shrublands and open forests. This nonvenomous constrictor is the smallest of the African pythons, growing to a maximum length of 182 cm (72 in). The name "ball python" refers to its tendency to curl into a ball when stressed or frightened.

Overview excerpt from Wikipedia contributors · Ball python, under CC BY-SA 4.0. Excerpt may be shortened. Overview retrieved 2026-10-09.

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This overview is attributed to Wikipedia contributors and was retrieved on 2026-10-09. Retrieval is not independent scientific review.

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The picture has a linked creator and license. Extinct-animal images may show a fossil, specimen or reconstruction; a reconstruction is not a photograph of the living animal.

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Map points represent selected regions, not complete ranges or live sightings. References and identifications can change. A linked source is not an expert certification.

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Ball python

A reference overview

The evidence behind this discovery

Where will this discovery take you?

Komodo dragon ↗

What can a picture tell you? ↗

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