| Actual Image
Diamond Python (48)
sandpiper2
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1697 W: 108 N: 3629]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-g-g.gif) (11941) | It’s been a while since I posted a reptile, so today I present a recent capture of a Diamond Python (Morelia spilota) that I found north of Sydney trying to catch some late autumn sun. I was pleasantly surprised to find this guy casually sun bathing on one of the main walking walks. He was a good size too, almost 2 metres long and as thick as a big man’s arm which is getting close to their upper size limit.
I’ve put a second shot in the WORKSHOP.
The Diamond Python is also known as Carpet Python in some parts of the country. In New South Wales they are an endangered species and strictly protected. They are found in a variety of habitats and probably more than one species is represented by the 7 recognised subspecies.
In the Sydney region, they are usually found in open forest or woodland near riverine gorges with a thick leaf litter. They rest in caves, hollow logs and rocky overhangs. They are not afraid of humans and often enter houses that are built near bushland, where they feed on rats that seem to follow human urbanisation everywhere.
In the wild, they can lay up to 50 eggs and prey predominantly on small native rodents and mammals, though birds and lizards also feature in their diet.
They well known for having individual personalities, some will let you pick them up without any problem; others are vicious and will strike if you get to close – as I found out 25 years ago. But being a python, they are not venomous and just leave a small bite mark and a shocked person.
Thanks for looking |
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