How do burmese pythons digest whole skeletons? Scientists found something surprising in their guts

To find out how the snakes regulate calcium, the research team tested three diets. One group received whole prey. Another ate boneless prey. A third had boneless prey with added calcium. After several feedings, the snakes’ intestines were closely examined.

The results pointed to narrow cells lining the intestinal walls. In snakes that ate bones or had calcium supplements, these cells held dense particles. The particles contained calcium, iron, and phosphorus. Snakes fed only boneless meals did not show these deposits.

The findings suggest the cells help filter excess calcium. By forming solid particles, the pythons may expel what they don’t need through their waste.

Clues for Other Bone-Eating Animals

Lignot’s team believes these intestinal cells could be common in other reptiles. They’ve already spotted similar cells in other pythons, boas, and Gila monsters. All three species swallow prey whole.

However, researchers haven’t yet found such calcium-processing particles in dolphins or birds that also consume prey whole. Lignot said that predators feeding on bony fish or aquatic mammals might also have similar digestive tricks. Birds like the bearded vulture, which feed mainly on bones, are strong candidates for future study.

This research could lead to new insights into how various animals digest tough, mineral-rich meals. As Lignot noted, understanding how calcium is managed may be key to exploring digestion across the animal kingdom.