Why are imported Angolan pythons so rare?

[loonunit]

Are they protected? And if that's so, how did the original imports get into the country?

(I know that bearded dragons have some awful health problems which are likely tied to the large captive population in the states coming from a small number of wild individuals. I'm concerned that may happen to Angolans... that and, of course, they'll be interbred with the more-numerous ball pythons, and it'll be increasingly difficult to find true pure Angolans.)

[jason_ladouceur]

for many years Angola was locked in civil war so it was almost impossible to get any animals out of this incredible dangerous region. as far as I know that war ended almost 10 years ago so I really don't know why they still aren’t exported with any frequency.

[mpkeelee]

exactly, because of the civil war. some breeders do have larger angolans but a lot hasnt been done with them as far as morphs go because of the new exporting and the lack of morphs so far. most people done have them because they had a very high price tag. they were going for 1500 and more but have come down in price over the last year

[jason_ladouceur]

At the risk of dating myself I remember when Angolans were almost $20 g’s at least here in Canada. So I would say that $1200 bucks is quite a bargain. Still out of my price range but a good price none the less. They really are super cool snakes and in person just like ball pythons they always look even better than in person. I definitely want to add 1 or 2 or 10 to my collection one day.

[SPJ]

One of these?

[steveboos]

One of these?

You again with the cheap Angolan Python pickup!!

They are beautiful and the closest relative to the Ball Python, so once they get more common, more people will own them.

[zina10]

or these ??

[Jonas@Balls2TheWall]

I have also heard Angola is still covered in mines so going in after the snakes is quite the dangerous challenge. Might be part of the reason why not many are being imported.

[zina10]

that is correct

I think there is quite the sufficient breeding stock available without importing any new ones. Prices have come down somewhat, and Angolans will become more widespread in collections

[loonunit]

Well, I guess even I'm reluctant to look for awesome snakes in minefieds.

But I'd heard they were also native to Namibia? Which is, as far as I know, pretty stable?