Which snake is the largest species native to Africa?

The African rock python is the largest snake species native to Africa.

African rock pythons are powerful constrictors found across much of sub-Saharan Africa. They occupy varied habitats, including grasslands, savannas, forests, rocky areas, and wetlands. Adults can exceed 5 metres, though such lengths are uncommon and most individuals are smaller.

The species is a generalist predator. It can eat birds, rodents, antelope, warthogs, and other substantial prey. Like other pythons, it does not use venom; instead, it grasps prey with recurved teeth and coils around it. The python is also a capable swimmer and is often associated with water.

The African rock python is sometimes confused with the reticulated python, the longest living snake, and the green anaconda, the heaviest. Those species belong to different regions and lineages. African rock pythons are especially recognizable by their large size, irregular brown-and-olive pattern, and broad geographic distribution.