Habitat use by the inland carpet python (Morelia spilota metcalfei: Pythonidae): Seasonal relationships with habitat structure and prey distribution in a rural landscape

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-9993.2004.01383.x
• Publication Date: 2004-08-04T09:11:23Z
• Authors: GEOFFREY W. HEARD; DENNIS BLACK; PETER ROBERTSON
• Keywords: Python

Abstract Squamate reptiles are significant components of woodland vertebrate communities in eastern Australia, but their ecology is poorly understood. We investigated seasonal variation habitat use by the Inland Carpet Python, Morelia spilota metcalfei Wells and Wellington (Pythonidae), a threatened snake that inhabits environments Murray–Darling Basin. Nine pythons were radiotracked within near Mount Meg Flora Fauna Reserve north‐eastern Victoria to investigate how structure prey distribution (namely, European Rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus L. (Leporidae)) influenced movement patterns. Data analysed over three spatial scales allow firm interpretations regarding resource selection. Pythons exhibited distinct trends use. During cooler spring months, snakes chose warm, well‐insulated microhabitats, primarily rocky outcrops on north‐ north‐west‐facing hillsides. moved widely during summer apparently search prey. Snake localities could be readily linked rabbit at this time. Specifically, more open, disturbed habitats contained high density rabbits, consistently selected microhabitats close proximity burrows. In autumn, was transitional, as progressively returned hillsides where they overwintered. Thus, snakes' thermoregulatory foraging strategies. Careful management specific feral populations required conserve endangered snake.