Action Statement Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 No. 175

Inland Carpet metcalfei

Description and distribution The Inland Carpet Python or Inland Carpet , Morelia spilota metcalfei, is a slow-moving, nocturnal snake that has an average adult length of 170 to 190 cm (Barker and Barker 1994, Cogger 2000). Being a python (family Boidae), and therefore non-venomous, it overcomes prey by constricting it in coils of its body. The Inland Carpet Python is one of only two pythons to occur in , the other being the closely-related Diamond Python, Morelia spilota spilota (Coventry and Robertson 1991). Inland Carpet Pythons have a contrasting and complicated pattern, generally of black and shades of grey, brown or tan - the back is dark with pale markings, and the sides are pale Inland Carpet Python Morelia spilota metcalfei with dark markings. There is a series of paired, (Photo: Peter Robertson) pale, rounded blotches down the back, with some pairs joined to form transverse bars or dumbbell shapes. The sides are pale with a variably-defined, dark, mid-lateral longitudinal stripe. (Barker and Barker 1994). in the southern portion of the range, the drainage in Victoria, are essentially black and grey, although some individuals may have a tan colouration on the sides.

The subspecies considered in this Action Statement occurs from the Eyre Peninsula region of South , the , across inland northern Victoria, north through inland and into southern and central west of the Great Dividing Range. Distribution in Victoria Habitat [from Atlas of Victorian Wildlife, DSE 2004] In Victoria, the Inland Carpet Python inhabits two very different environments in the north of the State; River Red Gum ( camaldulensis) forests and associated Black Box (Eucalyptus comprises 50% to 80% of the diet of adult Inland largiflorens) woodlands along the major Carpet Pythons in Victoria. watercourses; and rocky hills, often within The home range size of the Inland Carpet Python woodlands of Blakely's Red Gum (Eucalyptus in Victoria (30 to 150 ha) appears to be larger than blakelyi). There are also some records from other that of other subspecies of Carpet Python studied vegetation types, such as mallee shrublands, elsewhere in Australia. Callitris woodlands and freshwater swamps. Recent studies have shown that the introduced Red Life history and ecology Fox (Vulpes vulpes) can be an important predator of the Inland Carpet Python, individuals of all sizes Hollow-bearing trees and logs, or large rock being taken – presumably because these snakes are outcrops, plus thick litter or shrub cover, are slow-moving with no venomous defences, they are essential to the existence of Inland Carpet Pythons. particularly vulnerable. Also, because the Inland These are used as shelter sites, to avoid predators, Carpet Python in some areas is heavily dependent to ambush prey, and to assist in thermoregulation upon rabbits as a major food source, it may be (Shine 1994). Such features also provide essential increasingly exposed to fox predation while habitat for prey items, particularly the foraging. Eggs, hatchlings and incubating female herpetofauna utilised by juvenile pythons. Inland Inland Carpet Pythons may also be prone to Carpet Pythons may also use rabbit burrows as predation by the Feral Cat (Felis cattus), Tree shelter, with rabbits being a major food source. In Goanna (Varanus varius), and possibly the Feral Pig some areas, they make use of houses and other (Sus scrofus). structures, where introduced form part of the diet. Activities which remove large hollow- Where the Inland Carpet Python inhabits bearing trees, logs, coarse woody debris, shrubs woodlands along watercourses, it is continually and litter may all threaten the survival of the exposed to disturbance by people fishing, camping Inland Carpet Python. and firewood cutting. In rocky hill habitats, where the shrub layer is particularly important, grazing Female Inland Carpet Pythons in Victoria may and firewood collection can dramatically reduce breed only every third or fourth year, taking that the quality of the habitat – in such areas, many on long to gather the resources needed for private land, habitat fragmentation via clearing, reproduction. Mating occurs in spring, with the grazing and firewood collection is an ongoing eggs (averaging 20 per clutch) laid during the concern. The Inland Carpet Python’s slow-moving December to January period. The eggs are nature make it particularly vulnerable when on incubated by the female for 50 to 60 days - she roads, a problem especially in more-densely settled coils her body around them, maintaining relatively areas. Its slow-moving nature and lack of venom high incubation temperatures by brief basking also expose it to deliberate killing or illegal excursions and by shivering to produce heat. This collection - its attractive patterning make it a is the most advanced form of parental care preferred snake for fanciers. exhibited by any Victorian reptile (Coventry and Robertson 1991). Inland Carpet Pythons in riverine habitats are known to incubate inside large logs Conservation status with hollows, while those in rocky habitats are DSE (2003) Endangered thought to do so within large rock crevices. SAC (1992) Threatened Hatchlings appear by late February, and are independent of the female from the time of Inland Carpet and Diamond Pythons (Morelia hatching. spilota spilota) have been listed as threatened taxa under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. While juvenile Inland Carpet Pythons are thought to feed mostly on , adults prey upon small to medium-sized , as well as , Decline and threats particularly those roosting in tree hollows. The The Inland Carpet Python is described as “once radical alterations to the abundance and widespread in woodlands along major distribution of mammals which have occurred watercourses and rock outcrops of northern since European settlement in northern Victoria Victoria” (LCC 1987). Since European settlement, would be expected to have profoundly affected the the subspecies has been subjected to a series of feeding habits of adult Inland Carpet Pythons, the human-induced threats that have resulted in the resultant changes in prey availability potentially number of populations declining, with a limiting both the frequency of breeding and the concurrent reduction in distribution of the number of young produced. The number of young as a whole (LCC 1987); there are only 160 surviving to reproductive age may also be altered. confirmed records in Victoria. The taxon is now Recent studies have shown that the introduced considered to be ‘endangered’ within Victoria (DSE European Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) now 2003).

2 Activities known to have or thought to be • accidental death through road kills; threatening the Inland Carpet Python include: • illegal collection for the pet trade. • reduction and fragmentation of habitat, by In its final recommendation, the Scientific Advisory activities such as clearing, cultivation, Committee (SAC 1992) has determined that the subdivision and timber harvesting; Inland Carpet Python is significantly prone to • actual and potential loss of connectivity of future threats which are likely to result in habitat as many tracts of connecting vegetation extinction, and is very rare in terms of abundance become severely degraded, particularly on or distribution. freehold land; • degradation of remaining habitat, including the Wider conservation issues reduction of hollow-bearing trees and logs, Much of the land on which Inland Carpet Pythons shrubs and ground debris, and reduction of now exist in north-western Victoria, and where cover provided by rock outcrops. A variety of management activities will be directed initially, is processes contribute to this degradation, Crown Land. This is being managed for nature including: conservation purposes in the case of National ¾ firewood collection; Parks and conservation reserves, and in other areas management prescriptions require that grazing ¾ grazing by domestic stock, particularly of and wood production are permitted where these the shrub layer; activities do not conflict with the conservation ¾ reduced amount of regeneration of values of the land. indigenous species due to factors such as dieback of mature trees; In north-eastern Victoria, only some areas of Inland Carpet Pythons habitat on rocky hills are ¾ inappropriate fire; within conservation reserves which are managed ¾ changed flooding regimes in riverine areas; giving due consideration to Inland Carpet Python ¾ weed invasion; requirements. However, many valuable areas are ¾ direct disturbance to and/or removal of on private land which is subject to variable rocks by humans, either for quarries, management, generally not with biodiversity gardens or by reptile fanciers; conservation as a major objective, and where ongoing degradation and fragmentation is • the extinction of 18 species of small to frequently a major problem. medium-sized mammals in northern Victoria, as well as an overall reduction in extant native Protection of Inland Carpet Python habitat in populations. This has resulted in a riverine areas will provide incidental protection for reduced variety and availability of prey, which the habitat of a wide range of other wildlife. A may have created a dependence on the reversal of the process of habitat simplification introduced European Rabbit (Oryctolagus (due to such factors as grazing, trampling and cuniculus); timber removal) along the Murray River will • direct mortality due to works to control the enhance the recruitment and future survival of a European Rabbit, including warren fumigation variety of floodplain-dependent threatened fauna, and ripping, and loss of habitat via these including the Giles’ Planigale (Planigale gilesi), processes; Regent Parrot (Polytelis anthopeplus) and Red- naped Snake (Furina diadema). Hollow logs and • loss of prey due to decline of rabbit tree hollows retained for Inland Carpet Pythons populations as a result of control measures and will also be utilised, when available, by many from the effects of introduced pathogens, viz. common species of mammals, birds, and Rabbit Calicivirus Disease; invertebrates. Similarly, the control of domestic • possible loss of prey populations due to effects stock grazing on water frontages will aid in bank on ‘non-target’ species during rabbit poisoning stabilisation, enhance water quality and exercises; subsequently benefit aquatic biota. • direct attack on individuals by introduced Protection of Inland Carpet Python habitat in rocky predators viz. the Red Fox, the Feral Cat and hills also will provide incidental protection for the probably the Feral Pig; habitat of a wide range of other wildlife. A reversal • direct effects of introduced pathogens on the of the process of habitat fragmentation and Inland Carpet Python – the introduced degradation (due to such factors as firewood ‘Inclusion Body Disease’ has not yet been collection, grazing, rock disturbance, weed reported in wild populations, but represents a invasion and increasing utilisation) will enhance significant potential threat; the recruitment and future survival of a variety of • killing by a misinformed public, including woodland-dependent threatened fauna, including woodcutters and campers; the Grey-crowned Babbler (Pomatostomus

3 temporalis), Tuan (Phascogale tapoatafa), Squirrel awareness of the status and conservation of the Glider (Petaurus norfolcensis) and Bandy Bandy Inland Carpet Python have been conducted. (Vermicella annulata). Maintenance and • Several private landholders with remnants enhancement of critical habitat components (such containing Inland Carpet Python habitat have as hollow trees, fallen timber and diverse shrub been provided with information concerning strata), particularly within important links between habitat protection and enhancement, and have currently or potentially fragmented areas of rocky been encouraged to conserve this species on hill habitat, will assist the conservation of many their properties. Local Landcare groups have species. been of assistance in this process. In surveying known and presumed habitat for • The recent research project illustrated the Inland Carpet Pythons, a greater knowledge of the occasional use of rabbit burrows by the Inland faunal assemblages of these areas will be gained. Carpet Python during the warmer months, and This information will be crucial in targeting more historical anecdotal accounts (D. Christian pers. widespread conservation actions aimed at broader comm.) document the killing of pythons during maintenance of biodiversity in the future. Control warren ripping programs. For practical and of feral predators will have far-reaching benefits wildlife protection reasons, since 1989, the within all ecological communities. Control of shooting and poisoning of rabbits has replaced European Rabbits in areas of Inland Carpet Python ripping and fumigation of warrens as control habitat may have adverse affects upon this species, techniques employed by DSE on the Murray and will need to be carefully considered. River floodplain - consequently, on the floodplains, Inland Carpet Pythons are now The conservation measures proposed in this only minimally threatened by rabbit control Action Statement are generally aimed at insulating works (at least directly). Similarly, in north- known populations of Inland Carpet Pythons from eastern Victorian areas of Inland Carpet Python actions thought to threaten them. These aims can habitat, warren ripping is now confined to the generally be achieved within the Government- cooler months, when pythons are unlikely to be accepted land management guidelines proposed by using rabbit burrows. (However, reduction of the Land Conservation Council (LCC 1989) and available prey – rabbits – resulting from such Environment Conservation Council (ECC 2001). In control programs may be of concern. Similarly, particular, establishment of Conservation any reduction in native prey species of the Management Networks, as suggested by the ECC Inland Carpet Python – such as possums – (2001), and implemented specifically for the brought about by ‘non-target’ poisoning during conservation of Inland Carpet Pythons, should rabbit control programs, may also be a prove an effective vehicle for the protection and concern). maintenance of a diverse range of biota. • Specifically targeted fox control measures have been undertaken in some key areas of Inland Previous Management Actions Carpet Python habitat. • A short-term study of the ecology and • Fire management in some reserve areas has distribution of Inland Carpet Pythons in north- included protection of key elements of Inland western and north-eastern Victoria has been Carpet Python habitat (large hollow trees and undertaken between 1997 and 2002. This logs) during controlled burning exercises. involved a program of radio-tracking Inland Carpet Pythons, enabling estimation of home • Management has been modified on an area of range, and determination of habitat Gunbower Island (near Cohuna) specifically for requirements, annual life history, activity Inland Carpet Python conservation. In 1991, patterns and diet. The hitherto unknown the Department of Conservation & Natural effects of introduced predators were Resources (Bendigo) (now DSE) fenced about documented. Student projects on various 1 000 ha of the island to exclude stock grazing, aspects of the ecology of the species have been and timber extraction was halted there. encouraged. Conservation objectives • All records of Inland Carpet Pythons have been collated in central databases, including the Long-term objective Atlas of Victorian Wildlife. Deliberate programs and surveys to obtain records from land To ensure that the Inland Carpet Python can managers, private land owners and naturalists survive, flourish and retain its potential for have been conducted in carefully targeted areas evolutionary development in the wild. of potential Inland Carpet Python habitat. • Various media promotions and information dispersal exercises aimed at raising public

4 Objectives of this Action Statement available, in conjunction with other agencies, 1. Manage currently known and subsequently community groups and landholders. discovered populations for short-term Responsibility: DPI (NW Region, NE Region), protection from major threatening processes; Catchment Management Authorities. 2. Determine the full extent of populations, and Firewood collection deduce critical aspects of the species’ biology and ecology, including the role and importance 3. Develop prescriptions to retain adequate of individual threats, such that long-term standing and fallen timber on public land management requirements can be determined where Inland Carpet Pythons or potentially and refined; high quality habitat occur. Provide extension and advice on recommended firewood 3. Monitor distribution and abundance of Inland harvesting levels to landholders on private Carpet Python populations; land where, and near to where, Inland Carpet 4. Implement actions to remove or reduce Pythons occur. threats, to firstly prevent any further decline 4. In strategic areas of potential Inland Carpet in total population size, and secondly to Python habitat where ground timber is enhance populations such that they become depleted (such as Killawarra Forest), enhance viable in the long-term, and habitat by importing logs. 5. Develop in the community a raised awareness Responsibility: DSE (Parks & Forests of Inland Carpet Python conservation status Division), DPI (NW Region, NE Region), Parks and requirements, and implement a Victoria cooperative management strategy with involvement of both public and private land Grazing managers and conservation groups. 5. Control grazing in key public land habitats where conservation values, including Intended Management Actions regeneration of indigenous flora, are The intended management actions listed below are compromised by this activity. Negotiate the further elaborated in DSE’s Actions for Biodiversity fencing out of domestic stock from key Inland Conservation database. Detailed information Carpet Python habitat on freehold land using, about the actions and locations, including where appropriate, Land Protection Incentive priorities, is held in this system and will be Scheme grants, NHT grants or the like. provided annually to land managers and other Responsibility: DSE (Parks & Forests authorities. Division), DPI (NW Region, NE Region), Parks Victoria, Catchment Management Authorities. Forest operations 1. Include detailed prescriptions for the Predator control protection and management of this species 6. Implement and maintain regular control of within State forest in the appropriate Forest Red Fox, feral Cat and feral Pig within strategic Management Plans (Mildura, Mid-Murray and areas of Inland Carpet Python habitat, and North-East). These plans will set aside monitor the Inland Carpet Python populations management or protection zones to modify or at selected control sites. To achieve exclude harvesting and other threatening maintenance of low fox numbers, control activities in order to conserve key population measures must be coordinated over a far centres for Inland Carpet Python along the broader area than just the python habitat. length of the Murray River and will ensure 7. Include Inland Carpet Python habitat within continuity of suitable habitat throughout target areas for fox control measures. riverine areas. Responsibility: DPI (NW Region, NE Region), Responsibility: DSE (Parks & Forests Division) Parks Victoria, Catchment Management Authorities. Integrated Catchment Management 2. Incorporate actions to protect, enhance and Rabbit control restore Inland Carpet Python habitat into 8. Ensure that pythons are not directly relevant Regional Catchment Strategies or threatened by rabbit control measures in areas their subordinate strategies via Biodiversity of Inland Carpet Python habitat by Action Plans. Implement these actions, undertaking ripping of warrens only during according to priority, as resources become the cooler months, when burrows are unlikely to be occupied by pythons and preventing any

5 kill of ‘non-target’ species during rabbit coordinated regional management of Inland poisoning programs. Carpet Python habitat on both private and public lands, including especially the 9. Ensure that consideration of provision of enhancement of links between habitat adequate prey resources for Inland Carpet fragments. Promotion of ‘Conservation Python in strategic habitat areas is included Management Networks’ (as per ECC 2001, p. within relevant documents for rabbit control, 187) could be an important vehicle for such such as CMA ‘Rabbit Action Plans’, ‘Resource strategies, particularly in areas such as the Protection Guidelines – Rabbit Control’, and Chesney Vale hills and the Mt Hope/Terricks similar rabbit management plans. Because areas. Organisations such as Land Care, Inland Carpet Pythons are often dependent Greening Australia, Catchment Management upon rabbits as prey, the short-term Authorities, Parks Victoria and DSE could be maintenance of existing low numbers of involved, in addition to private land owners rabbits in areas of python habitat may be and public land managers. considered. A long-term strategy should include enhancement of populations of native Responsibility: DSE (Parks & Forests prey species as an alternative to rabbits. Division), DPI (NW Region, NE Region), Parks Victoria, Catchment Management Authorities. Responsibility: DPI (NW Region, NE Region), Parks Victoria, Catchment Management Research Authorities. 14. Facilitate and/or conduct survey and research Recreation for Inland Carpet Pythons, in particular: 10. Encourage non-passive recreational pursuits • continue to record sightings on the Inland only in areas identified as not significant for Carpet Python Databases (DPI – Mildura, Inland Carpet Pythons. Develop and PV – Wangaratta) and forward those data implement measures to minimise firewood for inclusion on the Atlas of Victorian collection for camping in areas identified as Wildlife; significant for Inland Carpet Pythons. • collect data on the locality, extent and size of Inland Carpet Python populations Responsibility: DPI (NW Region, NE Region), DSE (Parks & Forests Division), Parks Victoria. throughout northern Victoria so that the degree of overlap with various land-use Fire control practices may be determined; 11. Generally, exclude fire from Inland Carpet • undertake targeted searches of potential Python habitat. Where fire is required for habitat for currently undocumented ecological management, ensure the protection populations; of specific habitat elements important to • monitor populations of Inland Carpet pythons, such as large hollow trees (both alive Python in areas of imposed management, and dead) and fallen timber such as fox control or log enhancement areas – collect demographic data on these Responsibility: DSE (Parks & Forests populations; Division), DPI (NW Region, NE Region), Parks Victoria, Catchment Management Authorities. • continue the investigation of the diet of Inland Carpet Pythons in different Flood regulation habitats, to determine the relative 12. In riverine areas of Inland Carpet Python importance of introduced and native prey habitat, ensure that flooding frequency is species; investigate methods of enhancing appropriate to maintain those vegetation populations of native prey species; elements which comprise important elements • continue the investigation of the key pythons. When determining areas in which to components of Inland Carpet Python promote flooding for ecological purposes, the habitat, so that management may aim to presence of Inland Carpet Python habitat preserve and enhance these components; should be an important consideration. • investigate the importance of recognised threats to Inland Carpet Pythons, to Responsibility: DSE (Parks & Forests Division), DPI (NW Region, NE Region), Parks recommend appropriate actions for their Victoria, Catchment Management Authorities. amelioration; • investigate the ecology of juvenile and Management agreements breeding female pythons to determine 13. Develop and implement cooperative appropriate management of their specific management strategies and agreements for the habitat requirements and threats;

6 • continue investigation and monitoring of Responsibility: DPI (NW Region, NE Region), the role and importance of habitat Parks Victoria. linkages and private remnants, to provide appropriate advice on the maintenance Management plans and/or enhancement of these areas. Such 17. Ensure that provisions for the management studies could target areas in which actions (as per this Action Statement) are ‘Conservation Management Networks’ are included in all relevant management plans for established; areas which include potential Inland Carpet • encourage participation of tertiary Python habitat, such as the ‘Warby Range State education institutions in research and Park Management Plan’, ‘ State Park monitoring programs. Management Plan’, CMA plans (e.g. ‘Goulburn Broken Catchment Rabbit Management Action Responsibility: DSE (Biodiversity &Natural Plan’), and that local government authorities Resources Division), Parks Victoria. include similar consideration within planning guidelines under their jurisdiction (such as Extension and public education ‘conservation overlays’, ‘native vegetation 15. Produce and distribute extension and retention controls’, etc.). community education information, including: Responsibility: DPI (NW Region, NE Region), • extension programs, such as those Parks Victoria, Catchment Management available via ‘Land for Wildlife’, aimed at Authorities. protection of key Inland Carpet Python habitat on freehold land. Disease management • a popular leaflet explaining the 18. Undertake a program of regular and obligatory identification, unique biology, significance monitoring of the disease status (particularly and ecological niche of the Inland Carpet for Inclusion Body Disease) of all confiscated, Python. The general public, woodcutters some captive and selectively targeted wild and campers will be the target audience, individuals, to ensure that any outbreaks of and will be encouraged to avoid disturbing this disease in wild populations may be the pythons and to report any sightings. avoided.

• detailed information sheets aimed 19. Release of confiscated individuals into the primarily at private landholders and land wild is not to be contemplated, to prevent managers of areas of Inland Carpet Python potential spread of disease into wild habitat, to clearly explain the significance populations by this route. ecological requirements of the species, and to present guidelines for management Responsibility: DPI (NW Region, NE Region), of its habitat. Parks Victoria. • appropriate explanatory signage in areas Enforcement of cooperative management agreements, imposed management and habitat 20. Investigate the need for and likely outcomes of enhancement works. increased enforcement activity in relation to the illegal possession and trade of Inland • a web-site for the presentation of all Carpet Pythons, including ‘take from the wild’. relevant published information on the of Inland Carpet Python, and to enable Responsibility: DPI (NW Region, NE Region). dissemination of regular updates on the research, monitoring and management References programs. Barker, D.G. & Barker, T.M. (1994) Pythons of the Responsibility: DPI (NW Region, NE Region), World, Volume 1, Australia. The Parks Victoria, Catchment Management Herpetocultural Library, Advanced Vivarium Authorities. Systems Inc., Lakeside, California. Cogger, H. G. (2000) Reptiles and amphibians of Interstate liaison Australia. 6th edition. Reed, Sydney. 16. Liaise with interstate wildlife authorities in Coventry, A. J. & Robertson, P. (1991) The Snakes of and New South Wales Victoria. A guide to their identification. concerning Inland Carpet Python distribution Department of Conservation and Environment, East Melbourne. and conservation in order to maximise local knowledge and standardise data collection on DSE (2003) Advisory List of Threatened Vertebrate Fauna population demographics. Develop cross in Victoria - 2003. Biodiversity & Natural Resources Division, Department of Sustainability and border management agreements with relevant Environment: Melbourne. authorities.

7 DSE (2004) Atlas of Victorian Wildlife (electronic fauna database). Department of Sustainability and Compiled by Geoffrey G. Allen, Flora and Fauna Environment: Melbourne. Coordinator, Mallee, DPI-Mildura; Geoffrey Barrow, Ranger in Charge, Parks Victoria-Wangaratta; Victor ECC (1997) Box-Ironbark Forests and Woodlands Hurley, Flora and Fauna Officer, Mallee, DPI-Mildura; Investigation Resources and Issues Report. and Peter Robertson, Wildlife Profiles Pty. Ltd. Environment Conservation Council, Fitzroy.

ECC (2001) Box-Ironbark Forests and Woodlands Further information can be obtained from Investigation Final Report. Environment Department of Sustainability and Environment Conservation Council, Melbourne. Customer Service Centre on 136 186. LCC (1983) Report on the Murray valley area. Land Conservation Council, Melbourne. Flora and Fauna Guarantee Action Statements are available from the Department of Sustainability and LCC (1987) Report on the Mallee area review. Land Environment website: http://www.dse.vic.gov.au Conservation Council, Melbourne. LCC (1989) Mallee Area Review. Final This Action Statement has been prepared under Recommendations. Land Conservation Council, section 19 of the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act Melbourne. 1988 under delegation from Professor Lyndsay Neilson, Secretary, Department of Sustainability and NRE (1996) Code of Forest Practices for Timber Environment, September 2003. Production. Revision No. 2, November 1996. Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Melbourne. © The State of Victoria, Department of Sustainability and Environment, 2003 Robertson, P. & Hurley, V.G. (2001) Report on Habitat of the Inland Carpet Python (Morelia Published by the Department of Sustainability and spilota metcalfei) in the Mildura Forest Environment, Victoria. 8 Nicholson Street, East Management Area. Department of Natural Melbourne, Victoria 3002 Australia Resources and Environment, Forest Service, Melbourne. [Unpublished]. This publication may be of assistance to you but the SAC (1992) Final Recommendation on a State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee nomination for listing: Morelia spilota Inland that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is Carpet and Diamond Pythons (Nomination No. wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and 252). Scientific Advisory Committee, Flora and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or Fauna Guarantee. Department of Conservation other consequence which may arise from you and Environment. [available from DSE web pages]. relying on any information in this publication. Shine, R. (1994) The biology and management of the Diamond Python (Morelia spilota spilota) and Carpet Python (M. s. variegata) in NSW. Species management report, number 15. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

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