The Central African Slender-snouted Crocodile differs from its West African counterpart as they are two distinct but superficially similar species. Aside from being endemic from different parts of the continent, molecular and morphological studies have revealed a distinction despite overlapping variations and a complex taxonomic history3. 

Although both slender-snouted crocodiles are critically endangered, they are doing better, with less fragmentation and lower historical decline in their populations.

The Dwarf crocodile only spans just 5 to 6 feet. The croc's compact build and broad snout add character to its physique, while bony armor provides durable protection. 

Streams and rivers in West and Central Africa's rainforests offer the perfect habitat for this nocturnal creature. Their broad diet includes small mammals, birds, amphibians, fish, and crustaceans. Solitary and timid by nature, they spend their days hidden in pools or their excavated burrows.

Picture yourself exploring the lush tropical forests of Africa, Asia, or Australia when suddenly you come face-to-face with a creature as long as a school bus. That's what happens when you stumble upon a reticulated python (Python reticulatus).

These snakes are the longest and largest among the python species, with some measuring up to 32 feet. The Burmese pythons (Python bivittatus) are almost as impressive, which typically reach lengths of 16 to 23 feet, just a bit shorter but equally large.

But these giant snakes aren't just about their size. You'll be amazed by their colorful skin patterns. Each python has its unique colors. Most pythons have spots, stripes, and speckles, which they use to blend into their surroundings almost perfectly.

Pythons have several names. Each name reflects something unique about the python, whether it's a physical trait or the region they call home. Consider the Ball pythons, also called Royal pythons. It's an odd name for a snake, but it perfectly captures its tendency to curl into a tight ball when feeling threatened.

This little snake hails from sub-Saharan Africa, and although it's the smallest species on the continent, its name is undoubtedly a big conversation starter.

Now, let's journey to Southeast Asia, where we encounter two remarkable species: Burmese pythons, known for their immense size, takes its name from its homeland, Burma (now Myanmar), and the reticulated python, which got its name from its appearance. 'Reticulated' describes something resembling a net or network, perfectly describing the intricate pattern adorning this python's skin.

One of the most impressive python facts is their ability to swallow meals that are larger than them. Pythons are skilled predators with diverse appetites. They hunt a wide range of prey, although these snakes prefer small to medium-sized mammals like rats, rabbits, and opossums. Contrary to popular belief, pythons don't attack humans unless provoked or stressed. Moreover, they don't limit their diet to mammals.

Pythons also readily devour birds of various sizes, from small sparrows to larger ducks and chickens. However, larger pythons, such as the reticulated and African rock python, can take on even larger prey like deer and antelopes.

The secret to their thriving dining is their great jaws, which can stretch wide. A stretchable ligament holds together the python's lower jaw, which, unlike most animals, isn't fused. Furthermore, its upper jaw isn't tightly stuck to its skull, allowing it to move independently and reach a 180-degree angle.

Combined with their slow metabolism, pythons can sustain themselves for weeks or months after consuming a large animal.

Like most snakes, pythons are oviparous reptiles, laying eggs for reproduction. Unlike some snakes that give birth to live young, pythons rely on developing their offspring within eggshells.

Once a python mother lays her eggs, she becomes a vigilant protector. She coils her formidable body around the clutch of eggs, creating a protective shield until the eggs hatch. This strategy protects the eggs from potential predators and plays a crucial role in their survival through a fascinating process known as "shivering thermogenesis."

The mother python can warm her eggs during this process by voluntarily causing her muscles to shiver. This muscle contraction generates heat, acting as a natural incubator that aids in developing the eggs.

As apex predators, pythons maintain the delicate balance of ecosystems. Their primary contribution lies in controlling the populations of rodents and other small creatures, which is no small task considering their rapid breeding rates.

Their insatiable appetite is a natural barrier against an unchecked explosion of rodent populations, preventing ecological imbalance. Rodents are notorious disease carriers, transmitting Lyme disease, leptospirosis, and even the plague.

By regulating rodent populations, pythons unintentionally help curb the spread of these diseases, promoting healthier and balanced ecosystems.

A python (top) and rattlesnake illustrating the positions of the pit organs. Arrows pointing to the pit organs are red; a black arrow points to the nostril.

The ability to sense infrared thermal radiation  evolved independently in three different groups of snakes, consisting of the families of Boidae (boas), Pythonidae (pythons), and the subfamily Crotalinae (pit vipers). What is commonly called a pit organ allows these animals to essentially "see" radiant heat at wavelengths between 5 and 30 μm. The more advanced infrared sense of pit vipers allows these animals to strike prey accurately even in the absence of light, and detect warm objects from several meters away. It was previously thought that the organs evolved primarily as prey detectors, but recent evidence suggests that it may also be used in thermoregulation and predator detection, making it a more general-purpose sensory organ than was supposed.

World Snake Day raises awareness about snakes' complex and essential function in nature. They are responsible for controlling rodent and pest populations, which helps prevent crop damage and the spread of diseases. Many snakes are also the food source of other snakes, mammals, and birds of prey.

Because of their role in maintaining ecological balance, the snakes' presence indicates a healthy environment.  Even though snakes live almost anywhere, they face habitat loss. The driving forces are rapid urbanization, deforestation, and human encroachment. Additionally, fear and misconceptions about snakes contribute to unnecessary killings. 

In addition to dispelling myths, World Snake Day also illuminates the global snakebite crisis, particularly in rural parts of Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Limited access to antivenom treatments and medical facilities poses a serious public health issue. This day advocates for improved healthcare measures and raises awareness among communities near snake habitats.

Snakes' flexible jaws allow them to swallow prey much larger than their head. Some large snakes can even eat cows and crocodiles.

A few species also carry potent venom. For example, the King Cobra is the world's largest venomous snake, reaching 18 feet long. 

These creatures have transparent scales, called "brilles," instead of eyelids, which shed along with their skin during molting. 

A snake's forked tongue is part of a sensory organ known as Jacobson's organ, which enables them to track their prey using chemical cues. 

They can sense vibrations through their jaws, which travel to their inner ear, allowing them to detect prey and potential threats.