`Sanca' snake produces 124 eggs

JAKARTA (JP): A 20-year old `Sanca' snake (python reticulatus) at the Ragunan Zoo laid 124 eggs, weighing 200 grams each, over the weekend.

The number is a bit unusual because similar snakes usually produce no more than 100 eggs, Edy, a zoo attendant said.

"According to the Animal Life Encyclopedia, the number of eggs produced by this species reaches between eight and 100 in one laying period," he said.

The 180-kilogram and eight-meter-in-length snake is the latest arrival in the zoo's collection. It was turned in by residents of Musi Banjarmasin in South Sumatra on Nov. 17, after they captured the animal on Oct. 30.

Antara reported that part of the eggs will be hatched mechanically, while the remainder will hatch naturally. The application of the two methods is intended to increase the ratio of hatching success. (hhr)