The African Rock Python (Python sebae), or Central African rock python, is a species of nonvenomous python found in sub-Saharan Africa. It is one of 11 living species in the genus Python (true pythons). It has two subspecies: P. s. sebae (the nominate subspecies) is found in Central and Western Africa, and P. s. natalensis (the South African rock python) in Southern Africa.
It is well known as Africa's largest snake and is one of the six largest snakes in the world (along with the green anaconda, reticulated python, Burmese python, Indian python, and amethystine python), specimens may approach or exceed 6 m (20 ft). The southern subspecies is generally smaller than its northern relative. 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 African rock python suffocates its prey by constriction and often eats animals up to 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.