| Water Python |
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Liasis fuscus  Description Water
Pythons are large, robust snakes that grow to around two metres in length. They
have plain dark brown or black scales on their backs, and have distinctive
yellow bellies. These snakes are sometimes called Rainbow Pythons because of
the rainbow sheen that sometimes appears on their scales. Like all pythons,
these snakes are not venomous. They suffocate their prey by constriction. Habitat Water
Pythons reside in the monsoonal belt across the top of the continent and parts
of southern New Guinea. Despite their name, they do not live exclusively in
water. They can be found in watercourses, swamps and billabongs close to
forests or heavily wooded areas. Diet As
opportunistic feeders, Water Pythons eat a variety of carnivore meals,
including small mammals, water birds and even young crocodiles. In the Northern
Territory their favourite food is the Dusky Rat, which is only found in
Australia. Heat-sensing pits, located on their lips, help pythons to detect
warm-blooded prey. Like all snakes, they also “smell” with their forked tongue,
transferring the scent to an organ on the roof of their mouths. Behaviour This
species is most active at night and they can often be seen moving across roads
in an attempt to reach water. During the day they like to hide away in hollow
logs, burrows and under vegetation. Water Pythons have a higher metabolism
compared with other snakes and will often travel considerable distances during
a night’s hunt. Reproduction Mating
occurs during February-March or in June-September. Clutches of 6-23 leathery
eggs are produced that the mothers try to keep warm by coiling around them. In
the world of cold-blooded animals, this is almost unheard of. Lifespan Water
Pythons live for between 10 and 25 years. Threats & Conservation Status The Water
Python’s natural predators include crocodiles, feral cats, foxes and dingos.
Many are also the victim of car accidents, run over as they cross roads at
night in their search for food. More Amazing Facts
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