Download Carpet Python Fact Sheet - Natural Resources South Australia

Department for Environment and Heritage
Fact Sheet
Threatened Species of the South Australian Murray-Darling Basin
Carpet Python Morelia spilota
Vulnerable
Description
Arboreality
The Carpet Python is a strikingly patterned snake.
Its regular dark brown and black pattern provides
exceptional camouflage, particularly in the litter
of brown dead leaves. Adult pythons are very distinctive
and easily distinguished from venomous snake species.
Pythons are generally arboreal, that is, they inhabit trees.
In the South Australian Murray-Darling basin, the Carpet
Python lives in the hollows of large River Red Gums and
north-facing cliffs along the river. Often they are found
nestled in quiet sheltered corners like pump sheds and
roof spaces. They can be useful to people in such places
by controlling vermin.
Scary snakes?
If you are afraid of snakes you should learn more about
them. Snakes are usually timid by nature and will only
attack to defend themselves. The vast majority of snake
bite victims are bitten trying to provoke, kill or capture a
snake. Australian reptiles are protected by law and you
can be fined for needlessly killing them.
River Corridor Threatened Species Series
Carpet Python
Popular python pets
Carpet Pythons are common as pets because they are
large, attractive, and non-venomous. Some have been
recorded as long as three metres! They are typically
placid animals, although their temperament varies.
There has been a long history of pythons taken from
the wild for the commercial trade, but it is now illegal
to do so.
Why are they threatened?
The Carpet Python was once widespread throughout
much of south-east Australia, but a continued decrease in
numbers and sightings (see map) have caused concern.
In the past, its habitat was drastically reduced and divided
through extensive land clearance. Today, regulation of
the River Murray and the extraction of water is causing
the death and decline of many River Red Gums that
are home to pythons. Predation by dogs and foxes may
also affect their survival.
What are we doing to help?
What can you do to help?
Research is required to further understand why the
Carpet Python is in decline, and what we can do
to halt this decline. We are also seeking to improve
knowledge of the distribution and abundance
of pythons through reports of sightings from the public,
and need your help. A regional recovery program is
helping to implement this research for the Carpet
Python in the River Murray corridor.
• Report Carpet Python sightings to the Murraylands
Regional Ecologist. We are maintaining a record
of sightings. Phone (08) 8595 2111.
• If you see a Carpet Python please don’t disturb it
– observe it from a distance.
Further information contact
Biodiversity Conservation Programs, Murraylands Region
Department for Environment and Heritage
Telephone (08) 8595 2111
www.environment.sa.gov.au
© Department for Environment and Heritage
Photos: © Peter Robertson
FIS 2455.06/CarpetPython 4/06
Department for Environment and Heritage
South Australian Murray-Darling Basin Natural Resources Management Board