Bredl’s Python

“While herping the East MacDonnell Ranges of Central Australia, we encountered some unforecasted rain. Initially, we were a bit worried as it dropped the temperature quite a bit, but we quickly dismissed our concerns after cruising up to this beautiful animal drinking from a puddle on the road before the sun had finished setting.

The Centralian Carpet Python, or Bredl’s Python, is endemic to the region and inhabits large trees and rocky gorges, where it ambushes its prey, primarily mammals and birds. This species, along with many other pythons, features prominently in Dreamtime creation stories of local Indigenous groups, who credit Bredl’s Python with creating the waterholes within the gorges it inhabits.

This individual posed quite a challenge to photograph, as in typical Morelia fashion it constantly moved, though we managed to get a few good photos once it reached the end of a large log and became comfortable enough to sit and let us enjoy its presence.” – Courtney Snelson

Many thanks to Courtney Snelson for sharing this incredible photograph with us!  Connect with Courtney, and be sure to check out more of her herp adventures and photographs on Instagram @courtneysnelson.reptiles.