Source: Live Science
Researchers have discovered that Burmese pythons possess specialized intestinal cells that help process calcium from the bones of their prey, aiding in whole-prey digestion. Published in the Journal of Experimental Biology on June 25, the study found that these narrow cells trap particles made of calcium, iron, and phosphorus—especially in snakes that consumed bone-in prey or received calcium supplements.
This suggests the cells help regulate calcium absorption and may excrete excess calcium through feces. The team observed similar cells in other reptiles like boas and Gila monsters, but not yet in other whole-prey eaters like dolphins or fish-eating birds. The findings raise the possibility that these calcium-processing cells are unique to certain reptiles that consume entire animals. Further research could determine how widespread this adaptation is across species that regularly digest bones, potentially including marine predators and bone-eating birds like the bearded vulture.