Regular contributor and MalaMala ranger Mike Kirkman sent this video to Latest Sightings. He filmed it while on a night game drive in South Africa’s Sabi Sands Game Reserve.
Young python
The video begins with a sight not often seen by visitors to the bushveld. Illuminated by a powerful spotlight, a young snake is seen crawling along on the ground.
Rangers use spotlights to reveal the interesting lives of nocturnal creatures
The snake is a juvenile Southern African rock python. It is only a fraction of the size it may grow to, with adults reaching lengths of up to 5 metres.
Seen from above
Unbeknownst to the snake, it is being watched from above. A large spotted genet (Genetta tigrina) has spotted the python from its vantage point in a tree.
There are two species of genet found in South Africa. This is the large spotted variety, identifiable by a black tail tip.
Genets are small nocturnal predators that spend much of their lives in trees. Of concern to the python, they love to eat snakes.
Time to take a closer look
As the snake continues unaware past the genet’s tree, the spotted predator decides it’s time to take a closer look.
Using its sharp claws, the genet descends the tree trunk headfirst. You can just see it to the left of the arrow in the above image.
Caution required
Once on the ground, the genet carefully approaches the python’s tail. As a predator, it is always wise to exercise caution, as any injury could impede its ability to hunt.
For its part, the snake seems completely unaware of the genet or the danger it is in. Instead, it continues crawling slowly.
Even at this small size, the genet is probably too large for the snake to consume. Pythons are non-venomous, and although they can deliver an ugly bite, it is otherwise defenceless against the genet.
Patient predator
Taking its time, the genet gets within sniffing distance of the python’s tail. But the python’s continued movement seems to bother it.
Subsequently, having decided that it might have better luck with a different approach, the genet circles past the snake.
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Foes face-to-face
Consequently, as the genet approaches the snake’s head, the python finally comes to a halt. In the darkness, it is likely that it became aware of the genet by sensing it with its heat-sensing pit organs.
These organs detect infrared radiation, allowing them to detect warm-blooded prey in complete darkness.
As you can see above, the genet remains cautious. With its head raised, it waits to see the snake’s next move. The snake begins to show signs of agitation as its tail lashes back and forth.
As Mike comments, small pythons are notoriously feisty and quick to bite.
Mounting tension
Watching the snake intently, the genet appears to get increasingly nervous. Having lost the element of surprise, its chances of a successful attack without repercussions are diminishing by the second.
After a short stand-off, it is the genet who flinches first. To avoid injury, it makes the sensible decision to not bite off more than it can chew.
At the end of the video, the genet scampers off into the darkness, leaving the python in peace at last.