Lexi Webster
Australia is home to 15 recognised python species across several genera, including the carpet python, a medium-to-large snake species found in suburban areas of Darwin during the dry season. While carpet pythons are not found in Western Australia, the state is home to several other python species, including a subspecies of the Olive Python adapted to the rocky Pilbara terrain and a small python species, typically 50-100 cm in length, that inhabits rocky outcrops.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Python Species in Western Australia | 2 (including subspecies) |
| Python Species | Morelia spilota (Carpet Python), Children's Python |
| Python Size | 2-4 m, 70-100 cm |
| Python Colour | Olive-green to chocolate brown, reddish-brown with pale spots, pale brown to olive green, yellow and black |
| Python Habitat | Rocky areas, near water, rocky outcrops, temperate forests |
| Python Behaviour | Nocturnal, calm |
| Python Diet | Small mammals, birds, lizards, domestic cats, small dogs |
| Python Subspecies | M. s. spilota (cold-weather diamond python), M. s. mcdowelli, M. s. variegata |
| Python Enclosure Requirements | Medium to large-sized enclosure with climbing and crawling space, moderate basking temperature, moderate humidity |
| Python Feeding Frequency | Young: every 1-2 weeks, Adults: every 2-4 weeks |
| Python Lifespan | Up to 30 years |
| Python Trade and Cultural Significance | Popular in the pet trade, used in African traditional medicine, significant in Australian folklore and mythology |
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What You'll Learn
Python species in Western Australia
Australia is home to some of the world's most beautiful python species, and Western Australia (WA) is no exception. Pythons in Australia are non-venomous constrictors that play an essential ecological role in controlling the populations of certain prey species, such as rodents, birds, and small mammals. This is particularly significant in maintaining the delicate balance of native ecosystems and managing invasive species.
One of the python species found in WA is a small python, typically measuring between 70 and 100 cm in length. This nocturnal python is commonly found in rocky areas and is distinguished by its reddish-brown coloring with pale spots. Another python species unique to WA is even smaller, reaching a maximum length of around 50 cm. Its reddish-brown coloration with pale spots makes it well-suited for its habitat among rocky outcrops.
A third python species found in WA is characterized by its black head and banded body, with distinctive blotches and fewer heat-sensing pits. These pythons can grow to impressive lengths, ranging from 1.5 to 3.5 meters. They are often mistaken for venomous species due to their bold coloring. Additionally, WA is home to a python species that typically measures between 1.5 and 2.3 meters in length. This python is easily identified by its orange head and tan body with dark bands. It is distributed across arid zones, making it well-adapted to the environment in WA.
Furthermore, Western Australia shares a few python species with other states, including the Northern Territory (NT) and Queensland (Qld). One such python is a large species, reaching up to 2 to 4 meters in length, with an olive-green to chocolate-brown color. It is often found near water in WA, NT, and Qld. Another python found in these states is a subspecies of the Olive Python, adapted to the rocky Pilbara terrain in WA. It typically measures between 2 and 3 meters and is recognized by its reddish coloration and complex patterning.
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Habitat and distribution
Australia is home to 15 recognised python species, and they are found across NSW, NT, Qld, SA, and WA. Pythons are significant in Australian folklore and mythology, often symbolising strength and are revered as sacred creatures.
The carpet python (Morelia spilota), a medium-to-large snake, is one of the most common species found in Australia. They are widespread throughout mainland Australia, except for the arid centre and western regions. They are also found in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and the northern Solomon Islands. Carpet pythons are particularly prevalent in suburban areas of Darwin during the dry season (May-July), likely due to shifts in their behaviour and movement. They are known to inhabit forest regions, especially in Southwest Australia, and have been observed in natural forest areas and suburban settings.
Another python species, the Olive Python, has subspecies adapted to the rocky Pilbara terrain in Western Australia. These pythons can grow up to 2-4 metres in length and are identified by their olive-green to chocolate-brown colouration. They are often found near water sources. A python species restricted to WA is Australia's smallest python, measuring around 50 cm. It is characterised by its reddish-brown colouration with pale spots, well-suited to its natural habitat of rocky outcrops.
The subspecies M. s. imbricata, part of the Morelia spilota family, is considered near-threatened in Western Australia due to habitat loss. This species is also found in Victoria, where one of its subspecies, M. s. spilota, is listed as threatened with extinction. The Python spilotes, identified by Gray in 1841, is another python species with a presence in Australia.
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Python behaviour and movement
Pythons are nonvenomous snakes found in Asia, Africa, and Australia. They are considered Old World snakes as they are not native to North or South America. There are 41 species of python within the family Pythonidae, which contains some of the largest snakes in the world. For example, the reticulated python (Python reticulatus) can grow to over 30 feet (9 meters) in length. On the other hand, the anthill python (Antaresia perthensis) only grows up to 24 inches (61 centimeters) and is the smallest python species.
Python movement is typically slow, and they employ a rectilinear progression, stiffening their ribs for support, lifting their bellies, and pushing themselves forward. This form of locomotion restricts their speed to a maximum of 1 mile per hour (1.6 kph). Despite their bulk, some python species are excellent swimmers, while others are arboreal.
The Burmese python, an invasive species in the Florida Everglades, provides an example of how python behaviour influences population expansion. Simulation modelling has shown that behavioural trade-offs and flexibility in boldness strategies impact their dispersal into urbanised and fragmented habitats.
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Python care and ownership
Ball Pythons are a popular choice for those interested in owning a snake as they are easy to maintain and take care of. They are also one of the smaller breeds, which makes them easier to feed, maintain, and care for. However, it is important to remember that they can live for 25-30 years, with some living up to 35 years, so owning one is a long-term commitment.
Before purchasing a Ball Python, it is important to do your research and have a long-term care plan in place. The size of the enclosure is key to ensuring your snake is happy and healthy. A 20-gallon tank is recommended, with enough space for the snake to stretch out to 3/4 of its maximum length. The average length of a male Ball Python is 90-110 cm (around 3-3.5 feet), while females grow larger, reaching 120-140 cm (around 4-4.5 feet). Therefore, the size of the enclosure will depend on the sex of the snake, which should be known before purchase.
In terms of maintenance, Ball Pythons are fairly low-commitment pets. Their bedding should be changed every 1-2 months, and the enclosure should be disinfected at the same time. Daily checks of the cage are also recommended, to remove any feces and clumped substrate.
Overall, Ball Pythons make good pets for those interested in snake ownership, as they are docile, shy, and require less time and dedication compared to other pets.
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Python uses in medicine and culture
Python body parts utilized in traditional medicine are not just limited to bile; skin, flesh, blood, and marrow are also used. The reticulated python, the world's longest snake, is believed to cure skin diseases, prickly heat, burns, allergies, boils, acne, eczema, remove black spots, impotence, diabetes, heart disease, asthma, and reduce toxins in the body. Python bile is believed to be effective due to its high protein and antioxidant content.
In addition to its cultural and medicinal uses, python is also the name of a popular programming language used in the healthcare sector. Python programming offers benefits such as improved patient outcomes, dynamic and scalable applications, and enhanced data security. Python is particularly useful in machine learning and data science applications, enabling developers to build health monitoring and tracking apps. It also aids in predictive analytics, helping doctors predict treatment plans or mortality based on patient data.
The versatility of Python is evident in its application across industries, including healthcare. Its ability to handle large datasets and work with artificial intelligence makes it a powerful tool for institutions and clinicians to deliver better patient care and improve the overall healthcare system. Python's open-source nature allows for innovative solutions, making it a significant contributor to the dynamic and ever-evolving field of medicine.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are pythons in Western Australia. There are 15 recognised species of pythons in Australia, and some of them are found in Western Australia.
One species of python found in Western Australia is the subspecies of the Olive Python, which has adapted to the rocky Pilbara terrain. This python is large, growing to a length of 2-3 metres, and is known for its reddish colouration and complex patterning.
Yes, there is a python species in Western Australia that reaches about 1.8 metres in length. This python has rough, keeled scales that give it a unique appearance. It is commonly found in the state, adapting well to temperate forests.
Australia's smallest python species, with an average length of around 50 cm, is restricted to Western Australia. It is reddish-brown with pale spots and is commonly found in rocky outcrops.
While pythons can be dangerous, there is limited information specifically regarding those in Western Australia. Pythons are capable of killing prey through constriction and have been known to eat small domestic animals such as cats and dogs. They can also carry diseases like salmonella and leptospirosis, which can be transmitted to humans.
