Distribution, Status and Conservation of Pythons in Western Australia

Distribution, status and conservation of pythons in Western Australia

David J. Pearson Department of Conservation and Land Management, P.O. Box 51, Wanneroo, WA 6065

ABSTRACT Museum accessions, published records and siglitings by conservation agency staff, herpetologists and desert Aborigines were used to review the distribution of nine python taxa occurring in Western Australia, and to assess their current status. Tropical, sub-tropical and arid zone species appear to have secure populations, with the exception of Morelia carinata, which is known from just three individuals.

Aspidites ramsayi and Morelia spilota imbricata have both declined markedly in the temperate Downloaded from http://meridian.allenpress.com/rzsnsw-other-books/book/chapter-pdf/2644411/rzsnsw_1993_062.pdf by guest on 27 September 2021 south-west of Western Australia over the last 30 years. Habitat destruction and fragmentation were probably the major contributing factors in the Wheatbelt region; however, predation by feral animals and vegetation change due to fire may be significant in other parts of their range. Morelia olivacea barroni occupies restricted habitats in the Pilbara and its populations need to be closely monitored.

INTRODUCTION Numerous taxonomic schemes have been used to arrange Australian pythons. In this The conspicuous size and easy idendfication paper, nomenclature for species follows that of most pythons might suggest that our under- of Underwood and Stimson (1990), and for standing of their distribution and status in subspecies. Smith (1981a, 1981b, 1985). Western Australia (WA) would be reasonably Detailed discussion of changes to nomen- thorough. However, their seasonal and noctur- clature can be found in Smith (1981a, 1981b), nal activity patterns, and cryptic habits result Cogger et al. (1983) and Underwood and in only sporadic sightings. These tend to occur Sdmson (1990). when pythons are crossing roads, sheltering in sheds or houses, or raiding aviaries, often to their peril. METHODS Museum accessions were the primary source In Australia, 14 species of pythons are of information used to determine distributions. currently recognized and nine of these occur Listings of python specimens were obtained in WA (Wilson and Knowles 1988; Cogger from the Western Australian Museum, the 1992). Two species and four subspecies are South Australian Museum, the Northern WA endemics (Storr et al. 1986). Pythons are Territory Museum of Arts and Science, and the distributed throughout WA, from the northern Australian Museum. Kimberley coast to the islands of the Archipelago of the Recherche off the southern This information was supplemented by coastline. While the distribution of most several other sources. Sightings were collated species appears to have changed little in the from various publications, particularly wildlife surveys of specific regions in WA. Aboriginal last 50 years, available data for most species oral information was collected during several are poor. There is evidence that two species trips into the Western Desert region of WA may have declined (Bush 1981; Smith 1981a). and adjoining areas of the Northern Territory Here, the distribution and status of WA (NT) in 1992-93. WA Museum specimens of python species is reviewed using several Aspidites melanocephalus, A. ramsayi (adult and sources of information to supplement Museum juvenile), Morelia stimsoni and M. spilota records. Patterns of distribution are examined imbricata were shown to Aboriginal people in and possible factors causing the decline of seven desert communities. The latter species some species are discussed. The primary focus has not been recorded from the region, but of the work is on pythons in the Wheatbelt, the was included to represent the closely allied southwestern corner and central desert areas. Morelia bredli, which is distributed in the This reflects the number of observers in the central-western portion of the Northern south-west of the State, as well as recent Territory (Gow 1981; Cogger 1992). The spirit fieldwork in desert areas. Proposals for future specimens were supplemented with large research and conservation recommendations colour photographs, showing various postures are outlined. of each species.

Herpetology in Australia 383 Python names in local Aboriginal dialects In addition, a survey questionnaire was sent were collected, along with information on their to CALM Wildlife Officers (30), CALM distribution, habitat preferences, diet, repro- regional ecologists (4), licensed reptile-keepers duction and shelter requirements. The ethno- (6) and a number of herpetologists (8) to elicit zoological data will be presented in a future python sightings. Questions were asked about publication. Orthography of Western Desert the species seen during their time of residence Aboriginal names follows that of Douglas in WA, and the species and numbers seen in (1964). the previous 12 months. Details of specific sightings (giving location and habitat) and Files held by the Department of Conserva- evidence of regional population changes were tion and Land Management (CALM) were also sought. It was hoped that the survey would examined for breaches of the Wildlife Conser- help locate suitable populations for detailed vation Act (1950) which involved pythons. ecological research. Breach reports from 1986 to 1993 were inspected to record locations where animals Downloaded from http://meridian.allenpress.com/rzsnsw-other-books/book/chapter-pdf/2644411/rzsnsw_1993_062.pdf by guest on 27 September 2021 RESULTS had been obtained, and to assess the extent of any illegal trade in pythons. Other information Museum accession records required careful on illegal activities was sought from CALM scrutiny before their inclusion in distribution officers, TRAFFIC Oceania and the Australian maps. Data recorded for early specimens was Nature Conservation Agency. often rudimentary, and sometimes questionable.

LITTLE SANDY DESERT

GIBSON DESERT Fig. 1. Regions and locations in Western Papulanku^a Australia and adjacent areas GREAT VICTORIA DESSR T which are

• Cosmo Newbery mentioned in the text.

MarchagM GOLDFIELDS Mooia WHEATBELT NULLARBOR

• Dfyandra State Forest

Striing Afchlixlagoof tha Rechefche

384 Herpetology in Australia The rationalization of WA Museum collections Table 1. Aboriginal names for python taxa in the central in the past has led to some early specimens deserts of Western Australia. being discarded. Recent taxonomic changes, Aspidites melanocephalus warrurungkalpa (Ng, Pit, Pi, Lu) such as the revision of the Morelia childreni Aspidites ramsayi kuniya (Ng, Pit, Pi, Lu) species-^oup (Smith 1985), meant that the inturlkurl (Pi, Lu) correct identity of some discarded specimens ngalyipi (Lu) could not be established. Similarly, literature (juvenile) kupa kupa (Ng) records and sightings by survey respondents Morelia stimsoni nantalpa (Ng, Pit, Pi, Lu) were closely scrutinized where either, two tatjalpa (Ng, Pit, Pi) members of the M. childreni species-group, or Key to dialects: Ng Ngaanyatjarra Pit Pitjantjatjarra M. olivacea olivacea and M. mackloti, may have Pi Pintupi been found in sympatry. Doubtful records Lu Luritja were excluded from analysis. Wildlife surveys and naturalist guides of From June 1986 to June 1993, 306 offences

various regions in WA proved to be useful were reported relating to illegal "taking" of Downloaded from http://meridian.allenpress.com/rzsnsw-other-books/book/chapter-pdf/2644411/rzsnsw_1993_062.pdf by guest on 27 September 2021 sources of python sightings and information vertebrates, in contravention of Section 16 of (O'Loughlin 1966; Burbidge 1969; Serventy the Wildlife Conservation Act (1950). Of these, 1970; Butler, undated; Butler 1971; Storr and 15 (5%) offences concerned pythons. One Hanlon 1980; Bush 1981; Dell and How 1985; instance involved a person apprehended for Gibson 1986; How et al. 1988; Storr and probable overseas exportation of three Harold 1985; Walker 1986; How et al. 1991; pythons, one of an attempted local sale of a Gambold 1992; Dell and Harold 1993). Loca- single python and the remainder were for tions and regions in WA and adjacent areas of people keeping one or two individuals as pets. the NT mentioned in the text are shown in A total of 32 responses were received from Figure 1. the survey questionnaire. Over the year prior All Aboriginal groups interviewed were to the survey, respondents reported seeing familiar with at least some python taxa. Table from nil to 23 individual pythons. The mean 1 lists the names collected for species in desert number was 4.8, but this was heavily biased areas. Aboriginal sightings are reported in the due to two Kimberley-based observers who saw species accounts below. 23 and 16 respectively. The median number of

Fie 2. Occurrence of Aspidites melanocephalus in Western Australia and nearby regions. Museum specimens are indicated by open circles; survey sightings by solid circles; and Aboriginal records by solid squares. Herpetology in Australia 385 sightings was two. Only Morelia carinata was not south along the coasdine to Cape Range; and reported by respondents. The number of sight- eastwards into the arid grasslands, rocky out- ings of several other species was low; M. crops and islands of the Pilbara (Storr et al. childreni (3), M. mackloti (1), Morelia olivacea bar- 1986) The conspicuous black hood and roni (2) and Morelia spilota variegata (3). strongly-banded body of A. melanocephalus made it readily identifiable to most observers. Road-kills of eight species were reported, the most common being A. melanocephalus in the Survey replies from Kimberley-based obser- north, and M. spilota imbricata in the south. vers indicated that it was one of the most Python sightings were much more frequent in frequendy encountered pythons. Records from the Kimberley region, particularly during the all sources are plotted in Figure 2. Glauert "build-up" and rainy periods of the Wet season (1967) reported that it occurred "as far south (approximately November to March). Declines as the northern Wheatbelt" although there are in python populations were noted by 11 no specimens from this area. respondents, involving M. spilota imbricata (7) Several Aboriginal people in desert com- Downloaded from http://meridian.allenpress.com/rzsnsw-other-books/book/chapter-pdf/2644411/rzsnsw_1993_062.pdf by guest on 27 September 2021 and Aspidites ramsayi (2) in the south-west, and munities north of 25° latitude were familiar Morelia stimsoni in the Darling Ranges, east of with the species, referring to it by a single Perth (1). name, "warrurungkalpa". This name, trans- lated literally, means "grinder or crusher of SPECIES ACCOUNTS rock-wallabies". Most said it did not occur in Black-headed Python Aspidites the local area, but could be found further melanocephalus north towards Yuendumu (NT). People at the This species has a predominantly tropical Walunguru (Kintore) Community maintained distribution in WA. It is found in a wide variety that the species still occurred in the surround- of habitats throughout the Kimberley region; ing rocky hills, and there was a report of one

Fig. 3. Occurrence of Aspidites melanocephalus in Western Australia and neaby regions. All records prior to 1950 are indicated by open trianagles; records from 1950 to 1980 by solid circles; records since 1980 by open squares; and Aboriginal records by solid squares. 386 Herpetology in Australia near Mt. Liebig during floods in 1988. There The juvenile A. ramsayi is strongly banded has been no diminution in the range of A. and does not closely resemble the adult. In fact, melanocephalus based on recent Museum Glauert (1967) noted that it was often mistaken records and sightings. Insufficient data were for a Tiger Snake, Notechis scutatus. Nonethe- available to assess whether its abundance has less, most informants correcdy identified it, changed, but frequent observation suggests particularly the people at Papulankutja, who this species is widespread and common. also referred to it by a different name, "kupa- kupa". Woma or Ramsay's Python Aspidites ramsayi A. ramsayi is a heavy-bodied species attaining It was unclear from discussions with Aboriginal a length of up to 2.3 m (Storr et al. 1986). Its people if populations of A. ramsayi had known range is disjunct. The main population remained stable in recent times. The use of occurs in central Australia, extending into motor vehicles and more sedentary lifestyles the southwestern edge of Queensland and results in fewer encounters with the species northern SA. Other populations are known than in the past. All groups reported A. ramsayi Downloaded from http://meridian.allenpress.com/rzsnsw-other-books/book/chapter-pdf/2644411/rzsnsw_1993_062.pdf by guest on 27 September 2021 from the Pilbara coast north to the Eighty-mile still occurred in the region, favouring areas of Beach area, and southwestern WA (Storr et al. sandplain and dunefield dominated by 1986) (Fig. 3). hummock grasses or "spinifex" {Triodia and Plectrachne spp.) In northern regions A. ramsayi is reported occasionally, usually as road-kills just east of In southwestern WA, A. ramsayi was collected Broome. A. ramsayi has not been reported frequently during the early years of settlement previously in central desert regions of WA. of the Wheatbelt. (Smith 1981a) compared The WA Museum has a single record from Mt. accessions of A. ramsayi as a proportion of total Davies, in the extreme northwestern corner of reptile accessions at the WA Museum from SA. It is also known from the Uluru (Ayers 1910 to 1979. He found that a pronounced Rock) area (Reid et al. 1993) and the Tanami decline in accessions had occurred after 1950, Desert (Gibson 1986). Thomson and Hosmer with just two specimens received by the (1963), working with Pintupi people north of Museum between 1970 and 1980. This Lake Mackay, recorded two specimens, one at amounted to just 3 per cent of total Museum Kimai Well and the other, at Wirrarigulong. accessions of the southwestern population. Both locahties lie close to the NT-WA border. Smith (1981a) concluded that in southwestern WA, A. ramsayi was "close to extinction". Desert Aboriginal people were very familiar with the species. It is known by a number of Two survey respondents noted the decline names, but the one in most widespread use is of A. ramsayi, with several reporting that "kuniya". Linguistic publications have often farmers in the Wheatbelt had frequently misapplied the common name, "carpet encountered it 30-40 years ago. Since 1980, python" or "carpet snake" to A. ramsayi. Kuniya there have been few sightings, and no speci- ancestors were important characters during mens received by the WA Museum. Recent the formative period of Uluru according to sightings were reported from the Marchagee Pitjantjatjarra and Yankuntjatjarra stories area, north of Moora (Bush, pers. comm.), (Layton 1986). Also, the people at the Papulan- from Kitchener in the Eastern Goldfields kutja (Blackstone) Community are custodians (Chapman, pers. comm.) and near Denham in of a story and sites associated with the exploits the Shark Bay area (True, pers. comm.). The of an ancestor kuniya which traversed sand- paucity of sightings despite the number of plains near the settlement. potential observers within its known distribu- The species was, and still is, a prized food tion in southwestern WA, strongly supports item. The distinctive tracks are usually the conclusion of Smith (1981a). followed back to its burrow, where it is dug up. The spirit specimen of the adult A. ramsayi was recognized instantly by all Aboriginal groups Rough-scaled Python Morelia carinata interviewed, except at Cosmo-Newbery, the southern-most community visited. However, Since its initial collection in 1973 and sub- the name "kuniya" was recognized here when sequent description (Smith 198lb), only one mentioned. They said that the species did not further Museum specimen has been collected. occur locally, only further to the north. This In 1992, a juvenile was photographed near seems to support the notion that the central Prince Frederick Harbour (John Weigal, pers. Australian and south-west populations are comm.) All specimens have come from remote isolated from one another, although confirma- areas of the Kimberley and were found in tion is required. monsoonal vine thickets (Fig. 4). Herpetology in Australia 387 Downloaded from http://meridian.allenpress.com/rzsnsw-other-books/book/chapter-pdf/2644411/rzsnsw_1993_062.pdf by guest on 27 September 2021

Fig. 4. Occurrences in Western Australia and nearby regions of Morelia carinata (open diamonds); Morelia perthensis (solid circles); and survey sightings (solid squares) and museum specimens of Morelia childreni (open circles).

Difficult access to the region, few observers, The distribution of M. childreni is confined and perhaps, highly seasonal activity combine to tropical northern Australia. In WA, it is to make an assessment of its distribution and distributed across the Kimberley region, status difficult until further sightings are forth- extending south to Halls Creek (Fig. 4). The coming. The lack of economic development survey resulted in three records from this area. and settlement in the area suggests that there A range of habitats from monsoonal rainforest are no immediate direct threats to the species, to savannah woodlands and rock outcrops are although cattle (both domestic and feral), occupied (Wilson and Knowles 1988). Continu- weeds and frequent fire may be degrading its ing frequent collections and sightings of this habitat (McKenzie and Belbin 1991). species throughout its range outside WA indi- cates a widespread distribution. Children's Python Morelia childreni For many years the taxon, M. childreni, referred to a complex of small pythons which Pygmy Python Morelia perthensis Smith (1985) subsequently separated 'mX.o Liasis (= Morelia) childreni, L. perthensis, L. stimsoni This small member of the M. childreni stimsoni, L. stimsoni orientalis and L. maculosus. species-group inhabits rocky areas in the Since the revision is recent, and the taxa Pilbara region and the Litde Sandy Desert, difficult to separate, some confusion was extending east to the Canning Stock Route and apparent in the literature, and among survey south into adjacent areas such as North-west participants about the identity of species Cape (Fig. 4) (Storr and Hanlon 1980; Storr et observed. al. 1986).

388 Herpetology in Australia Downloaded from http://meridian.allenpress.com/rzsnsw-other-books/book/chapter-pdf/2644411/rzsnsw_1993_062.pdf by guest on 27 September 2021

Fig. 5. Occurrence of Morelia stimsoni (subspecies not differentiated) in Western Australia and adjacent regions. Museum specimens are indicated by open circles; survey sightings by solid circles; and Aboriginal records by solid squares.

M. perthensis was infrequently recorded by orientalis. The former is endemic to WA and survey respondents. Its small size and prefer- comprises those populations in the southern ence for rocky habitats and termitaria means Kimberley, Wheatbelt, Goldfields and coastal that it could be easily overlooked. Despite its areas of the Pilbara region extending to Perth. specific name, M. perthensis has not been M. stimsoni orientalis occupies arid environ- recorded as far south as Perth. ments from near Laverton on the edge of the Great Victoria Desert, north to the Canning Although Museum records and sightings Stock Route and eastwards across central were sparse for this species, it continues to be regions of Australia (Fig. 5) (Smith 1985). reported from throughout its known range and the current land uses over most of this Aboriginal people throughout the desert area, suggest it is under no immediate threats. were familiar with M. stimsoni orientalis, recog- M. perthensis is known from several large con- nizing it by a number of names (see Table 1). servation reserves, including Karijini Baker et at. (1993) reported the name (Hamersley Range) National Park and the "warurungkalpa" was used by people at the islands of the Dampier Archipelago (Smith Mutitjulu Community (NT) for this species. 1985; Morris 1990). However, this name was applied to A. melanocephalus by Aborigines in WA. The Stimson's Python Morelia stimsoni mention of an aggressive nature and rabbits as a major prey by Baker et al. (1993), suggests The final member of the M. childreni species- "warurungkalpa" refers to A. melanocephalus, group occurring in WA, M. stimsoni, has the and not M. stimsoni orientalis in the study area. most extensive distribution of any of the group, from the southern Kimberley to inland M. stimsoni orientalis was reported to occupy of Perth, and eastwards into Queensland and a wide variety of habitats, but preferred rocky NSW. Smith (1985) distinguished two sub- areas such as sandstone ranges or "break- species; M. stimsoni stimsoni and M. stimsoni aways", the small scarps and caves which form Herpetology in Australia 389 along receding edges of ancient lateritic of much of its habitat and activity tending to plateaux. Also, they were found in houses and be concentrated in the wet season. Only one food stores in a number of communities. was reported by a survey respondent. Desert Aboriginal people rarely use this species There are no confirmed records from the as food. It was considered common by inform- area around Cambridge Gulf in WA, suggest- ants throughout the Western Desert region ing that the Kimberley population is not con- and "a quiet one", in reference to its tiguous with populations in the NT (Smith, inoffensive demeanour. pers. comm.). While M. mackloti is abundant in The other subspecies, M. stimsoni stimsoni is the Top End of the NT, populations in the well represented in the WA Museum collection Kimberley are isolated and their abundance and was reported frequently by survey respon- and conservation status is unknown. dents. It is endemic to WA. Where this taxon is sympatric with M. perthensis or M. stimsoni orientalis, interbreeding may occur leading to Olive Python Morelia olivacea Downloaded from http://meridian.allenpress.com/rzsnsw-other-books/book/chapter-pdf/2644411/rzsnsw_1993_062.pdf by guest on 27 September 2021 the development of hybrids (Thompson, pers. Two subspecies of this large python occur in comm). There was no evidence that this species WA as disjunct populations, one in the had undergone any change in distribution or Kimberley, and the other in the Pilbara. The abundance, except in the Darling Range, Great Sandy Desert extends to the coasthne where its numbers appear to have declined apparently separating these populations (Bush, pers. comm.) (Smith 1981b). The nominate subspecies in the Kimberley is usually found near watercourses, often in rocky areas (Wilson and Knowles Water Python Morelia mackloti 1988). It has a wide distribution (Fig. 6) M. mackloti is found mainly in and around throughout the Kimberley and across northern freshwater swamps and billabongs from Australia into Queensland and appears abund- Broome, north to the Drysdale River (Fig. 6) ant (Cogger 1992). A total of thirteen were (Storr et al. 1986). Few WA specimens are held reported by respondents, mainly in the vicinity by museums, probably due to the remoteness of gorges in the southern Kimberley.

Fig. 6. Occurrences in Western Australia of Morelia mackloti (solid circles); Morelia olivacea olivacea based on museum specimens and literature records (open diamonds) and survey sightings (open squares); mA Morelia olivacea barroni (solid squares).

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Fig. 7. Occurences in Western Australia of Morelia spilota variegata (open squares) and Morelia spilota imbricata. Museum specimens of M. s. imbricata are indicated by open circles; survey sightings by solid circles; and literature records by solid squares.

In contrast, the other subspecies M. olivacea Populations have been reported on islands barroni, is restricted to a small area of suitable in the Dampier Archipelago. These may also habitat in the Pilbara region. It prefers deep be sensitive to disturbance and should be gorges and waterholes in ranges, such as the monitored to ensure that no activities occur Hamersley Range, a favoured place for tourists that are likely to impact upon them, or the to escape the heat. Occasional reports were populations of mammals upon which they received of it being killed when wrongly prey. mistaken as a venomous snake.

A large portion of its habitat is conserved in Carpet Python Morelia spilota Karijini National Park, although this alone will not ensure its survival. With a limited range The two subspecies of M. spilota are widely and restricted habitat, this species may be separated geographically. M. spilota variegata susceptible to changes wrought by increasing occurs in mesic to semi-arid habitats from the tourist numbers or the effects of mining Kimberley region to northern Victoria. It is activity. Its listing on Schedule 2 of the Wildlife very variable in colouration across that range, Conservation Act (1950) as a taxon "in with some authors recognising a number of need of special protection", is therefore "forms" (for example, Wilson and Knowles justified. 1988).

Herpetology in Australia 391 In the Kimberley, M. spilota variegata is deserts of WA, an area where no biological infrequently collected. Survey respondents survey work has been conducted. Cross- reported that it was reasonably abundant, and checking between individuals, and between often seen lying on roads on humid nights. different communities, indicated that the The southwestern subspecies, M. spilota names used and data on their habitat prefer- imbricata is a WA endemic, almost certainly ences were consistent. isolated from M. spilota variegata populations The survey questionnaire was successful in in SA (Fig. 7). Smith (1981a) noted that apart collecting distributional records of many from a dubious record from Eucla, there are species, including three sightings of A. ramsayi no records for a 1 000 km long section of the in southwestern WA. As many of the species southern coastline. are readily distinguished, records from experi- In contrast to the northern subspecies, M. enced observers can be considered generally spilota imbricata has apparently disappeared or reliable, although taxa in the M. childreni declined in parts of its range. Bush (1981) species-group may be difficult to separate Downloaded from http://meridian.allenpress.com/rzsnsw-other-books/book/chapter-pdf/2644411/rzsnsw_1993_062.pdf by guest on 27 September 2021 reported that it was common in the Esperance where they are sympatric. district prior to an agricultural boom in the 1960s, which led to the clearing of large areas Regional species richness of bushland. Based on an analysis of Museum accessions, Smith (1981a) suggested that M. Python species richness is greatest in the spilota imbricata declined in a similar manner to northern portion of the Kimberley with six A. ramsayi. species recorded. The Pilbara also has a rich python fauna comprised of five species, Survey respondents reported sightings of M. including two taxa (M. olivacea barroni and M. spilota imbricata across its entire known distribu- perthensis) that are either confined to, or tion, and while locally common in some areas, centred on the region. the number of records from the Wheatbelt region were comparatively few. Sizeable East of the Pilbara, the number of species populations were reported in several conserva- declines rapidly to only two in the Great Sandy tion reserves, in State Forests, in the Geraldton and Gibson Deserts. South of the Pilbara, area and on Garden, Mondrain and West species richness declines to three inland of Wallabi Islands. It is still found in the Perth Perth, and a single species {M. spilota imbricata) outer metropolitan region, particularly in along the southern coasdine. This reduction in forested areas and adjacent suburbs of the species richness is probably a result of less Darling Range. favourable climatic conditions, and perhaps lower and less reliable mammalian prey DISCUSSION densities along latitudinal and moisture gradients. Assessment of the methods used Museum accession records provided a useful Status of python taxa in WA baseline to examine the distribution of pythons Knowledge of the status of python taxa is in WA. However, few specimens have been needed to evaluate threats to their long-term collected of some species, particularly tropical conservation. Dodd (1993) noted that four taxa. This is due to the remoteness of their categories of information were commonly used habitats, a sparse population and poor access in the assessment of snake conservation in the wet season. problems. These were: personal experiences, Anecdotal evidence, if carefully scrutinized the existence of an extensive commercial trade, and corroborated, can be valuable in determin- rarity, or the presence of some agent of decline ing the distribution and status of larger wildlife which could be readily identified, such as taxa, especially in remote areas. Aboriginal habitat destruction. Most of these categories knowledge has already been successfully used rely on anecdotal information, the accuracy of to document the distribution of mammals which varies with the skill and expertise of (Burbidge et al. 1988) and other vertebrates observers. (Baker et al. 1993) in desert regions. In this Dodd (1993) argued that it is essential to study, the use of Museum python specimens research the distribution and life history of a was important to the success of the survey, snake taxon before the success of conservation because many older Aboriginal people did not strategies to protect it can be assessed. In recognize species from photographs. particular, those life history, morphological or The information provided by Aborigines habitat attributes which may be sensitive to clarified the distribution of pythons in central environmental change need to be identified 392 Herpetology in Australia and monitored. In recent years, the criteria as "Endangered", because populations are used by the lUCN to assess the status of severely fragmented, and there has been an threatened species have been reviewed (Mace observed decline in both its population size and and Lande 1991; Mace et al. 1992). Their draft distribution. M. spilota imbricata would be criteria rely on data about population size, considered "Vulnerable", since a continuing fragmentation, rates of population decline, decline is apparent in its distribution and the and alterations in geographic distribution. quality of habitat throughout much of its range. The poor information available on such attributes for most WA python taxa suggests Reasons for the decline of some pythons that conservation status based on these criteria Identifying the mechanisms causing popula- cannot be accurately assigned. Most taxa would tion declines of pythons is difficult because of be placed in the "Safe/Low Risk" category if their cryptic habits, long life spans, presumed widespread, or the "Insufficiently Known" low adult mortality and low densities. Direct category, if distribution was more restricted. observation of impacts which may cause Downloaded from http://meridian.allenpress.com/rzsnsw-other-books/book/chapter-pdf/2644411/rzsnsw_1993_062.pdf by guest on 27 September 2021 There is no evidence of range declines of reduced fecundity or increased mortality is any python taxa in the Kimberley and Pilbara therefore unlikely. At present, there are no regions, although M. carinata is only known substantial data available on why pythons have from three specimens. Population trends of declined. most taxa are a matter of conjecture because Habitat destruction has been implicated in no reliable techniques are available to census the decline of M. spilota imbricata populations python populations. However, anecdotal in the Esperance area (Bush 1981), and M. accounts and declining Museum accessions spilota variegata populations in the Murray strongly support the opinion of Smith (1981a, Valley (Victoria) (Hutchison 1992). In the 1981b) that two species, A. ramsayi and M. latter case, clearing of red gum forests and a spilota imbricata, have declined in southwestern reduction in hollow-bearing mallees used for regions of WA in the last 30 or so years. shelter was believed to be responsible.

The status of A. ramsayi in southwestern WA The role of direct predation by exotic appears critical. There have been no recent animals (foxes, feral cats) in the decline of records from the Wheatbelt, the main area of python populations in Australia is unknown. its known range. While much of the area was Predation by the mongoose and introduced cleared for agriculture, several large conserva- cats, in combination with habitat destruction, tion reserves were retained. Nonetheless, there has been linked with reductions in populations is no evidence that A. ramsayi has persisted in of the Jamaican Boa Epicrates subflavus, in the any of these reserves. Two of the three recent West Indies, and contributed to the decline of records came from the extremities of its range the Puerto Rican Boa Epicrates inornatiis in the south-west, in areas where the dominant (Honegger 1975). High mortality of juveniles land-use is pastoralism based on native plant of the Mona Boa Epicrates monensis monensis due species. Its conspicuous size and easy identifi- to predation by introduced rats, cats and pigs cation would suggest that if reasonably-sized has also been reported (Honegger 1975). populations still exist in the south-west they would have been detected by now. Commercial trade in pythons for food, skins, or as pets has been identified as another reason In the Wheatbelt, M. spilota imbricata has for the decline of some boids, particularly been reported from a few large conservation those restricted to islands or areas of rapidly reserves, such as Dryandra (Serventy 1970), disappearing habitat (Honegger 1975). No Tutanning (Mitchell, pers. comm.) and the Australian pythons are utilized for food on a Stirling Ranges (Dell and Harold 1993). Also, commercial basis, although some Aboriginal survey respondents reported occasional sight- groups have hunted, and continue to hunt ings in several small bushland remnants pythons. The impact of this on populations is retained as nature or gravel reserves. Long- probably negligible, and is concentrated in term residents of the Wheatbelt noted that they northern and arid areas. had observed a decrease in the species over the All states in Australia have legislation to last 20 or so years. Farmers had often kept prevent the commercial exploitation and them as "ratters" in barns and sheds through- export of pythons. The extent of illegal trade out the south-west (Glauert 1967), although it in pythons is largely unknown, because of the appears that few still do so. ease of moving reptiles and the difficulty Under the Mace et al. (1992) draft criteria, in detecting offenders. There is a general A. ramsayi in south-west WA would be classified perception among fauna authorities that the Herpetology in Australia 393 trade may be substantial, but little data are factors causing the ongoing decline of these available (Ehmann and Cogger 1985). species in the south-west can be identified and managed, the future of A. ramsayi in particular, In WA in the last seven years, only one appears to be bleak in the region. person has been apprehended attempting to illegally export pythons. The comparatively low price of most Australian python species in ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS the catalogues of American and European My thanks to Laurie Smith at the WA dealers (supplied by TRAFFIC Oceania), Museum, Ross Sadlier at the Australian suggests that extensive captive breeding is Museum, Mark Hutchison at the SA Museum occurring overseas, and that illegal export is and Paul Horner at the NT Museum of Arts only attractive when rarer species are involved. and Sciences, for access to records of python specimens in their care. Debbie Callister of Future Research and Conservation Measures TRAFFIC Oceania provided reptile catalogues from overseas dealers and other informadon Downloaded from http://meridian.allenpress.com/rzsnsw-other-books/book/chapter-pdf/2644411/rzsnsw_1993_062.pdf by guest on 27 September 2021 The greatest threat to the conservation of on snake conservation. The Ngaanyatjarra and WA pythons appears to be continuing destruc- Central Land Councils, and associated tion or degradation of habitat. In the Wheat- communities, gave me permission to work in belt, only 7 per cent of the land is still covered the central deserts and kindly shared their in native vegetation (Saunders 1989), and knowledge. clearing of remnants is still continuing (Holm, pers. comm.). Elsewhere, weed infestation or Numerous CALM staff assisted. In particu- changes in the frequency of fires may be lar, I thank Dave Mell for comments on the important, but data are lacking. Adequate, survey form, Paul Van Heurck for help with well-managed tracts of habitat need to be data entry, and CALM Wildlife Officers, maintained in conservation reserves. The Regional Ecologists and other staff who com- retention of blocks and corridors of bushland pleted and returned survey forms. Also, my on private land in the Wheatbelt would also sincere thanks to those herpetologists who con- assist the conservation of pythons. tributed their sightings and experience to this work, especially Brian Bush. Laurie Smith, The relative importance of predation by Richard Shine, Tony Start and Keith Morris introduced animals in the decline of some kindly provided comments on drafts of this python taxa is unknown. However, there is manuscript. circumstantial evidence that numbers of M. spilota imbricata are higher in areas which have been baited for foxes regularly over the REFERENCES

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