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Patchy
Patchy was rehomed to Alveus from a local breeder after it was discovered that she had a genetic defect and was missing an eye.
She is an ambassador for how the pet trade and habitat loss has affected hers and many other reptile species worldwide.
- Species
Ball Python
Python regius (Reptiles & Amphibians)
- Conservation Status
- Native To
West Sub Saharan Africa (grasslands, savannas, sparsely wooded areas)
- Species Lifespan
Wild: Unknown
Captivity: 15-30 years
Did you know?
Breeding ball pythons for specific colors and patterns is very popular within the pet trade. However, some of the sought-after traits are linked to genes that can also cause major health issues, including exophthalmos (where the eyes protrude from the head excessively), reduced fertility, wobble syndrome (where the head wobbles from side to side), or even death sometimes.
These genetic associations highlight the importance of ethical breeding within the pet trade to avoid unnecessary health issues, as can be seen with Patchy and his missing eye.
Animal Quest #3: Snake Edition
Learn more about Patchy on Animal Quest
