COASTAL CARPET PYTHON

The Coastal Carpet Python, scientifically known as Morelia spilota mcdowelli, is one of the most widely distributed python species in Australia. It is often confused with the Diamond Python (Morelia spilota spilota), which occurs further south. Interestingly, the Coastal Carpet Python and the Diamond Python can interbreed, which is uncommon among reptiles.

This python species is heavy-bodied and can reach lengths of up to 4.3 meters, although the average length is 2.1 to 2.7 meters. Its lifespan in the wild is not precisely known, but captive individuals have been documented to live up to 50 years, with some reports suggesting they could live even longer under optimal conditions.

The Coastal Carpet Python exhibits a wide variety of colours and patterns, even within a single location. These can include shades of olive, dark green, light green, yellowish-green, brown, and black. The patterns may consist of splotches, stripes, or rings of colours. The colours and patterns are most vibrant right after the snake sheds its old skin.

Regarding reproduction, after mating, the female Coastal Carpet Python lays a clutch of up to 30 eggs. Unlike many other snake species, the females of this species care for their eggs and vigorously defend their clutch. They coil around the eggs and shiver to maintain a stable temperature, a behaviour known as thermoregulation. Roughly 50 to 60 days after laying the eggs, the hatchlings emerge. At this point, the mother’s maternal duties are complete, and she leaves to feed, while the hatchlings disperse and fend for themselves.

The Coastal Carpet Python is found throughout Northern New South Wales and extends all the way to Cape York in Queensland, giving it one of the widest distributions among Australian snakes.

It prefers habitats such as rainforests, eucalypt forests, woodlands, and coastal heaths but can occasionally be found in suburban areas. These pythons are known to take up residence in house roofs and feed on vermin, which can be beneficial in controlling pest populations.

The diet of Coastal Carpet Pythons consists of small mammals like mice and rats, birds, other snakes, flying foxes, possums, and anything else that moves slowly enough to be captured.

As a non-venomous constrictor, the python kills its prey by wrapping around it and applying pressure until the prey suffocates.

The Coastal Carpet Python plays a crucial role in its ecosystem by helping to control the populations of its prey species. However, like many native species, it faces threats from habitat destruction, road mortality, and illegal pet trade. Conservation efforts are essential to ensure that these magnificent reptiles continue to thrive in their natural habitats.