Microchip on African rock python makes ‘hiss-tory’

THE 4m-long female African rock python that was moved from the Zimbali Eco Estate in KwaZulu-Natal last year for its safety has been microchipped as part of a research study.

The snake, which was taken to Crocworld to allow for it to lay eggs safely, was returned to the estate on Monday.

Snake catcher Nick Evans said the python laid 58 eggs, which would be kept safely in incubators until they hatched.

Evans said that to his knowledge, the research study being done in partnership with the Zimbali Estate Management Association (Zema) was the first of its kind in KwaZulu-Natal.

The snakes would be tagged with microchips usually used in dogs and cats. While the microchip does not work like a tracking device, he said each snake would be able to be identified by a unique identity number.

Yesterday, four men secured the python while Evans inserted the microchip close to the tail.

He then used a scanner to confirm its placement.

Brendan Smith, Zema’s environmental manager, said the study, which would also include green mambas, would provide information on movement and population dynamics.

He added that snakes were only removed from the estate if they were pregnant.

“They take them away for safekeeping and allow them to hatch their eggs in a safe, secure environment. The snake is then immediately brought back, which happened yesterday (Monday),” said Smith.

Smith said the python was captured in December, in the region of Yellowwood Drive, and they hoped to release her near a body of water within the wetlands system close to where she was found.

He said the research project hoped to dispel myths people had about snakes.

“No one really knows what they are up to and how many we have. This will definitely help us make better management decisions going forward,” said Smith.

While the African rock python was not endangered, Evans said their numbers had been in decline.

“Humans are eating them, using them for traditional medicine and people kill them out of fear,” he said.

Evans said the python was a protected species and it was illegal to kill or sell them.

| SHELLEY KJONSTAD African News Agency (ANA) CROCWORLD manager Martin Rodrigues, snake catcher Nick Evans, Zimbali Estate Management Association (Zema) environmental officer Ashlee Govender, Crocworld reptile curator James Wittstock, Zema general manager Sarika Sewpersad and environmental manager Brendan Smith with the microchipped python (inset).