Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I remember many years ago someone went to Africa and took burrow temps of wild incubating female BP's. I kinda remember prey being mentioned as well.

Tracy was that you? If not do you know of the article??

What is the natural prey of BP's?
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In the wild balls eat mainly Jerboas.

Jerboas are jumping rodents capable of covering a distance of 3 m (10 ft) with one leap. They spring from their extended hind legs, using their tails for balance. Jerboas live primarily in the arid regions of Africa and Central Asia and feed on plants, seeds, and insects. They extract all the water they need from these foods.

Here is one of the cute little guys....

I think you are talking about an article from the early 90's in an old magazine that I think was called "Reptile and Amphibian Magazine" (it was a small size format – it and another standard of the day in large format – The Vivarium – are both now no more). Unfortunately I gave my collection away years ago so couldn't tell you what issue it was in or the details of the article. As I remember the temps where pretty high down the burrows. They also had a picture of some large rat that the trapper had caught down a hole he dug out with an old truck leaf spring hunting for snakes and indicated that it was going to be his diner (the trapper's). It was a really cool article and the only first hand report I've read detailing the collection of wild ball pythons.

>>I think you are talking about an article from the early 90's in an old magazine that I think was called "Reptile and Amphibian Magazine" (it was a small size format – it and another standard of the day in large format – The Vivarium – are both now no more). Unfortunately I gave my collection away years ago so couldn't tell you what issue it was in or the details of the article. As I remember the temps where pretty high down the burrows. They also had a picture of some large rat that the trapper had caught down a hole he dug out with an old truck leaf spring hunting for snakes and indicated that it was going to be his diner (the trapper's). It was a really cool article and the only first hand report I've read detailing the collection of wild ball pythons.

Gambian pouched rats which get huge. The people there eat them too.....there is also another small common rat. Maybe they just eat @ McDonalds like most Americans!!

Kev
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