From Tropical Topics newsletter, No. 80, January
2004, produced by Stella Martin at the Queensland Environmental
Protection Agency. Download the PDF to read the whole issue.
Pythons have been in Australia for a long time and may have
evolved here. No pythons are venomous, instead using a very
effective constriction method for killing their prey, usually a
mammal or bird.
With lightning speed, a python coils its body around its victim.
As the animal breathes out, the coils are tightened. The animal is
unable to breath in, and quickly suffocates.
Pythons generally hunt at night and most have heat-sensing pits
around their mouths which help them locate warm-blooded prey. They
also flick their tongues in and out to ‘smell’ it. When
prey is caught, a python disengages its lower and upper jaws in
order to swallow it. Although non-venomous, pythons have sharp
teeth and can deliver a nasty bite.
Black-headed python
The black-headed python (Aspidites melanocephalus) is
found throughout the savanna region. Its shiny black head contrasts
with its paler, banded body. Considered a member of the more
‘primitive’ python line, it lacks the heat-sensitive
pits on its mouth which would not be useful for detecting its main
prey, other snakes. Males can be very aggressive towards each other
during the mating season.
Water python
The water python (Liasis fuscus) is found around water
across the top of Australia, sometimes in very large numbers.
Studies in the floodplains of Humpty Doo, in the Northern
Territory, found hundreds per hectare, one of the highest densities
of predators on earth. This snake feeds on rats and other mammals,
and waterbirds. It is flexible in its lifestyle, hunting on dry
land or in the water depending on prey abundance. Although it
generally stays at ground level, it does occasionally climb; one
was found several metres up a tree attracted by a flying fox
colony. This snake lacks the markings of many pythons and is a
plain dark colour with a beautiful sheen in good light.
Children’s python
The children’s python (Liasis childreni), named
after a Mr Children, is found from the Kimberley east to the Gulf
of Carpentaria. The similar spotted python (L. maculosus),
once considered to be the same species, is found on the east coast
to northern New South Wales. These pythons live largely among
rocks, caves and in termite mounds, eating lizards, particularly
geckos, frogs and small lizards. They also frequent caves where
insectivorous bats roost, using quick reflexes to catch the bats on
the wing or at rest.
