African Burrowing Python - Sierra Leone


Calabaria reinhardtii - The adult African burrowing python, also known as the Calabar python, grows no longer than 1 meter. The tail is similar to the head in shape and color. This is used as a decoy in distracting animals posing a danger. When threatened, the python will lower its head, raise its tail, slowly wag the tail back and forth to draw the source of danger away from the snake’s head. If this fails, the python will roll itself into a ball with the head tucked safely in the middle.

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Sierra Leone and Liberia were founded as safe havens for freed slaves; Sierra Leone was a British venture, Liberia an American venture. During and after the Revolutionary War, Britain evacuated slaves falling into their hands to Canada or the Caribbean. The 1787 attempt at settling these freed slaves into the “Province of Freedom” was unsuccessful; a failure resulting from fierce attacks from local tribesman. In 1792, another attempt was made with better results; the settlement was named Freetown.