`Sanca' snake produces 124 eggs

`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)