Morelia bredli

Morelia bredli is a species of non-venomous snake in the family Pythonidae. The species is endemic to Australia. No subspecies are recognized.^[3] Its common names include Bredl's python, the Centralian python, the Centralian carpet python, the central Australian carpet python, Bredl's carpet python, the central Australian Bredl's carpet python, and the central Bredl's carpet python.

Morelia bredli
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Serpentes
Family:	Pythonidae
Genus:	Morelia
Species:	M. bredli
Binomial name
Morelia bredli (Gow, 1981)
Synonyms[2]
Python bredli Gow, 1981 Morelia bredli — H.G. Cogger, Cameron & H.M. Cogger, 1983

Etymology

The specific name bredli is in honor of Australian crocodile conservationist Josef "Joe" Bredl (1948–2007), brother of "the barefoot bushman" Rob Bredl.^[4]

Description

Morelia bredli is a slender python that can reach lengths of up to, although rare, 3 meters. The color pattern consists of a brown to reddish ground color with a highly variable pattern of pale intrusions. There are normally black borders around the intrusions that become more extensive around the tail. The belly is yellowish to pale cream.^[5]

Geographic range

In Australia, M. bredli is found in the mountains of the southern Northern Territory. The type locality given is "Pitchie Ritchie Park, Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia (23°42', 133°51')".^[2]

Habitat

M. bredli is found in a variety of habitats, including dry desert, savanna, woodland forest, and freshwater wetlands, preferring to inhabit foothills, ridges, and rocky outcroppings.^[1] These animals can be found hunting and resting arboreally (in trees), as well as terrestrially.

Reproduction

M. bredli is oviparous.^[6] and may lay between 13-47 eggs

Gallery

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  Facial detail, anterior
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  Detail of markings on wild specimen
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  Zoo specimen
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  Juvenile