Bredl's Python
Morelia bredli • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Pythonidae, Genus: Morelia, Species: Morelia bredli
Endemic to central Australia, specifically the MacDonnell Ranges and surrounding arid regions of the Northern Territory.
Look up Bredl's Python in the Snake Encyclopedia →Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Pythonidae, Genus: Morelia, Species: Morelia bredli
Conservation
Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Main threats include habitat degradation, bushfires, and occasionally illegal collection for the pet trade.
Physical Description
Features a striking pattern of reddish-brown, tan, or brick-red coloration overlaid with broken creamy-yellow or white bands and blotches. The head is broad and distinct from the neck, with vertical heat-sensing pits along the labial scales and dark vertical markings behind the eyes. Scales are smooth, giving the body a glossy appearance.
Size & Dimensions
This specimen appears to be an adult or sub-adult measuring approximately 1.5 to 2 meters. The typical adult size range for the species is 2 to 2.5 meters, with exceptionally large individuals reaching up to 3 meters.
Habitat
Inhabits arid rocky outcrops, gorges, and ranges, often sheltering in rock crevices, caves, and hollow trees near dry watercourses.
Diet & Feeding
Carnivorous, primarily feeding on mammals, birds, and occasionally reptiles. It is an ambush hunter that relies on constriction to subdue prey before ingestion.
Reproduction
Oviparous, laying clutches typically ranging from 10 to 30 eggs. Females exhibit maternal care by coiling around and brooding the eggs to protect and incubate them.
Look-alikes
Can be confused with other Australian pythons found in overlapping or adjacent ranges, such as the Carpet Python (Morelia spilota), but is distinguished by its distinct reddish-brown and cream coloration adapted to central arid zones.
Conservation Status
Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Main threats include habitat degradation, bushfires, and occasionally illegal collection for the pet trade.
Cultural Significance
Holds cultural importance for Indigenous Australian peoples of the central desert regions through traditional stories and as a part of the local ecosystem.
Notable Features
Possesses prominent labial thermoreceptive pits on the upper and lower jaw used to detect infrared radiation from warm-blooded prey, and displays a high tolerance for arid environments compared to other pythons.
Notes
This is a morelia bredli python indy