Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Box 5.3. Controlling rabbits and conserving pythons - a true
management challenge
The Inland Carpet Python or Murray Darling Carpet Python is a non-venomous
snake that grows to over three metres in length. It preys on mammals and birds
and is found in a broad range of habitats throughout southern Queensland, inland
New South Wales and northern Victoria. Rabbits are their main food source, but
pythons will also venture into roof cavities, grain silos and hay sheds in search of
rats and mice.
The Inland Carpet Python was once relatively common, especially during the
rabbit plague years prior to the 1950s and before CSIRO released the viral disease
myxomatosis to control rabbit populations. When rabbits began to decline, so too
did the python. Today, the Carpet Python is a species of conservation concern and
in southern New South Wales it is only found along vegetated river systems and on
large rocky outcrops.
2
Granite outcrops in good condition provide excellent habitat
for pythons, but even partly cleared granite outcrops can support python popula-
tions. During the winter months, pythons become inactive and spend around four
months sheltering within tree hollows or rock crevices. During the warmer months,
pythons spend most of their time sheltering within rabbit burrows. Therefore, in the
absence of small and medium-sized burrowing marsupials (which are extinct in
southern New South Wales), the future conservation of python populations will
depend on strategic rabbit control. For example, warren systems should be ripped
and fumigated only during cooler months when pythons are less likely to be using
them as shelter. Burrow implosion techniques should not be used on granite out-
crops to avoid permanent damage to shelter-sites.
Figure 5.14:
Carpet Python. (Photo by Damian Michael)
