What is the primary reason attributed to the shortened lifespan of wild Ball Pythons?

Predation, resource scarcity, and environmental instability.

The lifespan expectancy for Ball Pythons living in their native West African habitats is substantially reduced, estimated to be only 10 to 15 years. This truncated timeline is a direct consequence of the severe, persistent environmental and biological challenges present in the wild. These challenges include the constant threat of being preyed upon by larger animals, the difficulty and uncertainty involved in locating adequate food sources, and the general instability of the natural environment, which subjects the constrictors to unpredictable conditions. These high-stakes variables are absent in quality captive care.