PWT Pythons • Locality Preservation Project

The south-western Carpet Python was first described as a subspecies (Python spilotus imbricatus), based on specimens collected by the Western Australian Museum (Smith, 1981). The name imbricatus is derived from the Latin word imbricate, the way in which roof tiles overlap. Smith also used the word Lanceolate to describe the pointed shape, in addition to their overlapped nature, particularly the posterior dorsal scales. It was later given full species status, as Morelia imbricata.

The South-western Carpet Python occupies what is quite possibly the largest range among any of the Morelia clade. They are found as far north as Geraldton WA, occupying the Wheatbelt region and as far east as Kalgoorlie. From Geraldton, the South-western Carpet Python inhabits almost the entire coastline to the Eyre Peninsula of South Australia. Records published on the Atlas of Living Australia, Inaturalist and AROD (Australian Reptile Online Database) indicate that only the Nullarbor plain remains unoccupied by this large python species, at least within the parameters of their coastal orientated distribution. Isolated populations of Morelia imbricata also inhabit a number of islands and archipelagos adjacent to both WA and SA, these island localities will be covered in a later article.

For the purpose of this project, the present author has chosen to map mainland populations in two distributions, separated by the karst landscape of the Nullarbor region. The western distribution, accounts for mainland populations of Morelia imbricata across WA. Whilst the eastern distribution represents Morelia imbricata found throughout the Eyre Peninsula, as far north as Port Augusta and seemingly restricted to the coastline moving west.

Although both distributions remain genetically and phenotypically indistinguishable, limestone analysis of the Nullarbor and its cave systems give an insight into the development of this region and their disjunction some 1,000,000 years ago. Using information from these sediment studies, in addition to DNA sequencing of the Morelia clade, we might gain an understanding of the separation between populations on the east and west of this arid region.

During the Oligocene (35-25 ma), monsoonal woodland likely covered the Nullarbor Plain, with the warm climate supporting rainforests along waterways, similar to those seen in the Northern Territory today, (Webb, James 2006). The Oligocene-Miocene (23 ma) interval saw the development of shallow lakes across central Australia, (Alley et al, 1995). Biogeographic reconstruction of python taxon using an anchored hybrid enrichment approach indicates that by the early Miocene (21 ma), an ancestral form of the Morelia clade had arrived and begun to diversify across Australia, (Esquerré et al, 2020). By now, temperatures were rising and like much of Australia, the Nullarbor region had began to dry out. Vegetation shifted from monsoonal to open woodland as much of the rainforests diminished, leaving only remnants of rainforest-like vegetation, restricted to the valleys that continued to maintain a wetter climate, (Alley et al, 1995). By the beginning of the Pliocene (5 ma), The Nullarbor and its vegetation reflected much of what can be found today, with the addition of dry eucalypt woodland which likely covered a majority of the plain, (Webb, James 2006). Reviewing the same biogeographic reconstruction published in 2020, data indicates that the early Pliocene (10 ma) marks the breakaway for Morelia imbricata from the rest of the clade, (Esquerré et al, 2020). Further aridification by 1 Ma (1,000 Ka or 1,000,000 years ago) saw the Nullarbor region achieve its current level of dryness, as the first of Central Australia’s sand dunes were forming, (Chen, Barton, 1991)(Short et al, 2024). The following 974,000 years saw the development of clifftop sand dunes across the Nullarbor and much of Australia’s southern coastline, (Short et al, 2024). However, as the planet cooled, experiencing its Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) around 26-20 Ka, significant amounts of water formed frozen glaciers across much of the northern hemisphere. As a result, global sea levels were estimated to be 118m – 135m lower than present levels, (Clark, Mix, 2002). This estimate uses a minimum and maximum model, based on glacial reconstructions of ice sheets that are either restricted to continental margins (minimum model). Or significantly expanded marine-based ice sheets, which are used to identify a maximum model. As the planet slowly warmed, glaciers melted and sea levels began to rise, marking the end of the last ice age. Between 15 Ka and 8 Ka (a 7,000 year gap), sea levels rose by 100m as a result of glacial ice melt, (Williams et al, 2018).

This gives an indication of the timeline for Morelia imbricata’s break away from the clade, around 10 Ma (10,000,000 years ago), over the following 9.9 Ma (9,970,000 years) they most likely inhabited Western Australia. An understanding of their dispersion across Nullarbor and into South Australia is difficult to ascertain without more information. We could speculate that they inhabited the Nullarbor until its eventual arridification (1 Ma), but the likely alternative occurred much later. Significantly lower sea levels and a cooler climate during the LGM (26-20 Ka) would have provided an opportunity for dispersion across the Nullarbor plain and exposed coastline. Palaeo-vegetation records and Koala fossil records from 23 Ka to 5 Ka, show an increase in eucalyptus suitability throughout the Nullarbor, and Central Australia, (Shabani, 2019). Those same records describe a significant decrease in eucalyptus suitability over the past 5,000 years (5 Ka to present). This leads me to speculate that the two mainland distributions of South-western Carpet Pythons have only been truly separated within this past 5,000 years.

Despite the years apart, anecdotal observations of South-western Carpet Pythons, photographs and descriptive reports indicate very little distinction in phenotype between the separated distributions. Both present the same characteristic lateral stripe along the anterior of their bodies, a trait most commonly shared with Morelia spilota mcdowelli, Morelia spilota metcalfei and in some cases Morelia bredli. As with every other member of the clade, Morelia imbricata exhibit a significant variation in phenotype, not only in pattern, but in colour as well. Although, unlike others in the Morelia clade, the South-western Carpet Python’s variation in colour seems to reflect the region they inhabit, (Browne-Cooper, 2007). After much time spent analysing an updated record (since 2007) of phenotypes, the author’s findings where consistent with Browne-Cooper’s description of phenotypes. Although it seems to be the case with specimens from the western distribution, more so than those from the east.

Individuals from the western distribution most commonly present light cream or grey patterns that form irregular bands, these seemingly originate at the aforementioned lateral stripe displayed along the upper half of the body. Banding patterns are set against a dark base colour, although typically exhibiting shades of brown, base colours can also vary from grey, olive or black, to orange and even yellows. The base colour and lighter patterns are separated by a thin line of darker scales, giving a tri-colour look in much the same way that many other Carpet Python phenotypes do. A small handful of specimens exhibit darker patterns instead of the typical cream, when set against a dark base colour this can create a striking and unique appearance.

For the western distribution, habitat influences phenotype, particularly colours. In a book published by Mike Swan in 2007, Browne-Cooper described individuals of the western coastal region (within their range), as having contrasting colours, often with a tinge of yellow or lime. Whereas less vivid specimens are most often found at higher elevations, such as the darling ranges. The same is still true today, to the extent that for this project, locality specific populations where almost mapped as an alternative to the distributions. These locality maps would have been based on phenotype trends that significantly correlated with the Western Australian reptile keeping community. However, relying on phenotype trends would not account for the entire distribution, which is an error that the author believes to have been made with previously mapped subspecies for this project. Additionally, of locality populations mapped so far, (using greater cairns region as an example), most have been significantly impacted by the surrounding geography. Barriers such as mountain ranges, habitat types and large bodies of water, even land clearing and the development in housing and agricultural infrastructure has played a part in isolating populations. With Australia’s landscapes being so vastly diverse, the geographic situations that may have influenced phenotype consistencies within locality specific populations in some regions, have not had the same effect with other populations elsewhere.

While mapping Morelia imbricata has certainly shown that phenotype trends based on habitat type do exist, the present author was unable to confidentially isolate populations due to an adaptation not seen in any populations mapped so far. Unlike other population that remain restricted to specific habitat systems, Morelia imbricata has adapted to an impressively diverse range of habitats. From dense eucalypt forests, woodlands, high altitude habitats such as those found on the Darling ranges, to coastal cliffs, dunes, sandy plains, heathland, shrubland and rocky outcrops of limestone and granite, (Browne-Cooper, 2007). Morelia imbricata also appear to be becoming more urbanised, adapting to thrive in close proximity to each other, people and relying on our infrastructure to provide food, shelter and key resources in both rural and urban settings.

But is this reliance by choice, or a necessary adaptation in response to continued habitat destruction?

One extreme example of urbanisation in Morelia imbricata was discovered by homeowners in September of 2023, when they learnt that their newly bought property (which included a double story shed that has previously stood abandoned for 20 years), was occupied by well over a dozen South-western Carpet Pythons. Situated on 80 acres of property and surrounded almost entirely by crop fields, the shed has provided a safe haven for Morelia imbricata with enough prey in surrounding fields to support a large number of pythons and other snake species for the past two decades. And it continues to do so, the author was informed that the family is still happily living alongside their reptilian neighbours. Pythons receive complimentary tick removal, on site health checks, an abundance of prey from surrounding farms and in turn provide a natural pest control. A database has been created over the past year, using head patterns to ID individuals and track their movements around the property with minimal disruption to their daily lives and routines.

Despite this versatility in both habitat and cohabitation, and an increase in urbanisation, a number of studies found Morelia imbricata to be in decline across much of their range. In almost all cases, destruction of habitat in favour of agricultural land was primarily to blame, (smith, 1981)(bush, 1981)(Pearson, 1993)(Pearson et al, 2005).

A study on South-Western Carpet Pythons, conducted at both Dryandra and Garden Island found that individuals of this species exhibited high site fidelity. 91 pythons were tracked for as long as 4 years, those on the mainland often returned to the same hollows and logs, even after long absences. Many of these logs were felled during logging over half a century ago, with little effort made to regrow source trees, (Pearson et al, 2005). In the same paper, Pearson described the complications of bushfire, and its impact on pythons and their habitats. Low-intensity fires (like those used in controlled burns), reduce the availability of logs and ground cover while failing to regenerate shrub thickets used by both pythons and prey. Whereas high-intensity fires regenerate shrub thickets and create new logs with the trees that are felled during the burn. This process may destroy tree hollows, but high-intensity bushfires also have the potential to form new hollows faster than those formed over 200 years in undisturbed mature trees, (Wagner et al, 2024). An increase in controlled burns in WA since the 1950s (Burrows, McCaw, 2013) may have a delayed impact on the continued suitability of habitats within the WA distribution of Morelia imbricata. But stories like the one shared, are a reminder that we can live alongside our wildlife, and that doing so can be beneficial in preserving species like Morelia imbricata. Where a reduction in suitable habitats and an increase in urbanisation could mean their continued survival.

Acknowledgements:
Foremost I thank Phil Patterson, for his dedicated guidance, support and comments on this article. I am grateful to Chris Jolly and Brian Bush, for insightful information, advice and photos provided over the course of this mapping segment. Thanks to Jamie Dolphin, Tiarnah Kingaby, Forrest He, Amelia Lague and Glen Gaikorst for providing photos. I also thank members of the WA Naturalists’ Club and Western Australian H**petological Society for information, experiences and local knowledge that was kindly shared.

References:
Smith L.A. 1981. A Revision of the Python Genera Aspedites and Python (Serpentes: Biodae) in Western Australia. Records of the Western Australian Museum V.9 no.2: 211-226.

Webb J.A., James J.M. 2006. Karst Evolution of the Nullarbor Plain, Australia. Geological Society of America Special Paper 404: 65-78.

Alley N.F., Clarke J.D.A., Macphail M., Truswell E.M,. 1995. Sedimentary Innllings and Development of Major Tertiary Palaeodrainage Systems of South-Central Australia. Palaeoweathering, palaeosurfaces and related continental deposits: 337 – 366.

Esquerré, D. Donnellan, S. Brennan, I. G. Lemmon, A. R. Lemmon, E. M. Zaher, H. Grazziotin, F. G. Keogh, J. S. 2020. Polyogenomics, biogeography, and morphometrics reveal rapid phenotypic evolution in pythons after crossing Wallace’s line. Systematic Biology V.69 no.6: 1039-1051.

Chen, X. Y. Barton, C.E. 1991. Onset of aridity and dune-building in central Australia: sedimentological and magnetostratigraphic evidence from Lake Amadeus. Palaeogeography, palaeoclimatology, palaeoecology V.84: 55-73.

Short, A. D., Tamura, T., Oliver, T. S. N., Detmar, S., Fotheringham, D. 2024. Quaternary clifftop and glacial maximum dunes around the Great Australian Bight. Quaternary Science Reviews. V.327 no.108517

Clark, P. U., Mix, A. C. 2002. Ice sheets and sea level of the Last Glacial Maximum. Quaternary Science Reviews V.21 no.1-3: 1-7

Williams, A. N., Ulm, S., Sapienza, T., Lewis, S., Turney, C. S. M. 2018. Sea-Level Change and Demography during the Last Glacial Termination and Early Holocene Across the Australian Continent. Quarternary Science Reviews V.182: 144-154.

Browne-Cooper, R. 2007. South-western carpet python, Morelia spilota imbricata (Smith, 1981). In: Swan, M (Ed.), Keeping & Breeding Australian Pythons (pp. 261-275). Lilydale, Victoria, Australia: Mike Swan H**p. Books.

Bush, B. 1981. Reptiles of the Kalgoorlie-Esperance region. Brian Bush: Esperance, Western Australia.

Pearson, D. J. 1993. Distribution, status and conservation of pythons in Western Australia. H**petology in Australia: 383-396.

Pearson, D., Shine, R., Williams, A. 2005. Spatial ecology of a threatened python (Morelia spilota imbricata) and the effects of anthropogenic habitat change. Austral Ecology V.30: 261-274.

Wagner, B., Baker, J. P., Nitscke, R. C. 2024. How an unprecedented wildfire shaped tree hollow occurrence and abundance – implications for arboreal fauna. Fire Ecology V.30: 1-18

Burrows, N. McCaw, L. 2013. Prescribed burning in southwestern Australian forests. Front Ecol Environ V.11 no.1: 25-34

“A Children’s python! …” “No…, it’s a carpet python!” “No…, it’s a rough-scaled python!”
-Trent Russell, June 12th, 1993

Perhaps one of Australia’s most unique… the Rough-scaled Python has become a commonly kept reptile in many collections across the country. But how much do you know of their introduction to the hobby?

During a fauna survey conducted in 1973 by the Western Australian Museum, a single specimen was collected from the Mitchell Falls area by Dr Ron Johnstone (Weigel, 1993; 2007). Thought to be a Carpet Python at that time, it wasn’t until 1981 that this species was first described by Laurie Smith as Python carinatus (Smith 1981), which later became Morelia carinata (Kluge, 1993). In 1987 by the Western Australian Museum, collected a second specimen while conducting a survey at the mouth of the Hunter River in Prince Fredrick Harbour (Weigel, 1993). Despite Smith’s identification of Rough-scaled Pythons some six years prior, it seems this second specimen was also misidentified as a Carpet Python, and shot for collection purposes without being photographed.

Despite John Weigel’s previous trips and solo expeditions, it wasn’t until he and Trent Russell set out together in June 1993 that a third python would be found and the first photographic record of this species would be documented. It was set to be a 13-day expedition, with a plan to arrive by helicopter to Prince Fredrick Harbour landing near the mouth of the Hunter River, to then rendezvous with the helicopter 15km upstream (Weigel, 1993). The intention was to explore various patches of monsoonal rainforest along the Hunter River and its tributaries, in search of the Rough-scaled Python. Whilst most of the travel was expected to be on foot, two inflatable rubber dinghies had been packed along with the necessary gear, photography equipment included.

However, the expedition did not quite go to plan and on arrival to Prince Fredrick Harbour it became apparent that damage to their containers had caused significant water loss. The duo was now facing two weeks in remote wilderness with only half of their water and no way to call for aid. From there the rough start to their expedition only worsened. It quickly became clear that the topography of the surrounding sandstone cliffs and gorges were far more dramatic than anticipated. With little chance of travelling by land and the water shortage in mind, they decided to make their way upriver via the water. Little did they know, their river voyage would quickly become a highly motivated 12km paddle, after an alarmingly close encounter with a large saltwater crocodile.
The next two days were spent hiking to their planned destination, trekking over rocky landscapes and through grassy valleys to find the upper reaches of a freshwater creek situated above a substantial waterfall some 30km southwest of the Mitchell Falls area. The mild weather over the following week allowed for suitable field work during the day, and one to two hours after sunset before reptile and amphibian activity dropped significantly (Weigel, 1993). Despite finding a number of species at this location, no evidence of Morelia carinata presented itself. A decision was made to explore further downstream, where the creek drops away to form a large 60m waterfall. The gorge below supports a dense monsoon rainforest, protected on either side by some 150m of sheer sandstone cliffs. This was an ecosystem that John and Trent had not yet encountered on their expedition, and it was in this pocket of rainforest that the first Rough-scaled Python would be photographed.

It was on the evening of June 12, on the northern side of the gorge and about half a kilometre down from the falls, that Trent made his announcement: “A Children’s python! …” “No…, it’s a carpet python!” “No…, it’s a rough-scaled python!” (Weigel, 1993, pp.4).

A juvenile specimen - measured at 80 centimetres - described by John as being beautifully patterned with mottled cream and buff colours. Unfortunately, no adults were found on this expedition. It wasn’t until a year later that John would be the one to find another specimen, while he and Trent retraced their expedition from the year before (Weigel, 2007). This individual was described as a young adult, and its discovery would mark the beginning of a challenging new project for the Australian Reptile Park.

In 1998 (after much difficulty), permits where approved to collect five Rough-scaled Pythons and maintain them in captivity at the Australian Reptile Park (Porter et al. 2012). Over the following three years and despite what John Weigel described as “enduring the full effect of Murphy’s Law” (Weigel, 2007, pp.185), five pythons were successfully collected, 3 males and 2 females in 1999 and 2000. Whilst these five specimens have remained at the Australian Reptile Park since that time, they have produced 71 viable offspring, all of which have contributed to the captive gene pool (Porter et al. 2012).
Although we understand the origins of captive Rough-scaled Pythons and how they came to be in the hobby, understanding their natural history is far more complicated. Their fascinating adaptions may be unique, but despite their remote north-western range and odd appearance, they share close morphological resemblance to Morelia viridis. Tissue samples taken from captive Rough-scale Pythons indicate that they belong in the genus Morelia as a sister-species, having diverged from the ancestor of present day Green Tree Pythons found in tropical Queensland and New Guinea (Esquerré, 2020).

So how has an icon of Western Australia’s Kimberley region become so isolated from their sister-species on the far side of the continent?
A possible answer could be found in another example of closely related species with a similarly fragmented distribution across Australia’s tropical north. The Giant Tree Gecko (Pseudothecadactylus australis) found living in the rainforests of Cape York Peninsula and two species of Giant Cave Gecko, (Pseudothecadactylus cavaticus and Pseudothecadactylus lindneri) occupy the rocky outcrops and sandstone gorges of the north-west Kimberley, and the Arnemland escarpments of the Northern Territory respectively. All three Pseudothecadactylus species are restricted to segmented areas of ideal habitat, isolated by barriers of drier often particularly fire prone habitat (Oliver et al. 2014). We see a very similar scenario with Morelia carinata isolated to the sandstone gorges of the Kimberley and Morelia viridis in the rainforests of Cape York. Ecological, distribution and phylogenetic data indicate that these gecko species likely have a long history of persistence across their respective areas of endemism spanning the monsoonal tropics of northern Australia, and is one of the oldest vertebrate lineages currently identified in this region (Oliver et al. 2014). Pseudothecadactylus are likely to be relics of an ancient habitat that was once widespread across Australia’s north, having become isolated as these suitable habitats diminish due to aridification over many millions of years. It is very likely that Rough-scaled Pythons share a similar origin story, having diverged from Green Tree Pythons only to become isolated over many millions of years.
Having had so long to adapt to their niche role in the ecosystem, Morelia carinata has become one of the most morphologically distinct python species worldwide (Porter et al. 2012). Like their namesake, the most obvious characteristic of Rough-scaled Pythons is indeed those unique keeled scales. This most likely serves as camouflage (in correlation with their disruptive colour patterns), amongst the ficus roots and exposed sandstone that is prevalent in this area (Porter et al. 2012). It was also noted that these scales may assist with traversing the sandstone cliffs and rocky terrain. Given that these rough scales encompass all but the underside of the python, I have my doubts about them being an adaption for climbing. An alternative possibility raised in conversation with C. Lingrell (personal communication, July 15th, 2025), suggested that the keeled scales may aid these pythons in securing themselves within crevices and caves of the sandstone walls and escarpments. Allowing themselves to remain firmly wedged while in an ambush position or perhaps even in hiding.

Another notable characteristic of these pythons is their stunning blue-grey eyes. A study conducted on reindeer (the only mammal known to adapt the colour of their eyes), concluded that blue eyes are likely to aid in foraging and predator detection during the dark winter months (Fosbury 2022). One could speculate that these uniquely blue eyes in Rough-scale Pythons might be a response to the dark nocturnal conditions of dense rainforests overshadowed by the sandstone cliffs of the Kimberley. Possibly the most interesting adaption is the ability to change colour on a day-night cycle without a pronounced ontogenetic shift (Porter et al. 2012). Although this is not yet fully understood, it may be a practical adaption to aid with camouflage given their ability to transition from dark to light in a matter of minutes.

Rough-scaled Pythons also have remarkably long teeth, certainly more than typical for the Morelia clade. This may be linked to a particular prey species, the Kimberley Rock Rat (Zyzomys woodwardi) and its tendency to drop fur, skin and even its tail when captured. These long teeth may assist with maintaining a firm grip of the prey item, resulting in a successful hunt, rather than a mouth full of fur. It’s worth noting that the understood distribution for the Rock Rat correlates significantly with that of our python population. Surveys of 18 sites across North Kimberley (in three mainland areas and four islands), conducted in 2003-2004, produced 84 records of Z. woodwardi (Start et al. 2007). Of the three mainland areas; Mitchell Plateau, Prince Regent River Nature Reserve and Drysdale River, Rock Rats were not found at the latter. Whilst they were recorded on three islands, the literature does not specify which. Based on the provided data as well as the described adaptions in both Morelia carinata and Zyzomys woodwardi, one might suggest that both species have adapted together, inhabiting the same ecosystem in what appears to be a million-year-old game of cat and mouse, (or python and rat).

Mapping this population was not as challenging as others have proven to be, especially given that Rough-scaled Pythons seem restricted to such niche habitats. These specific regions are typically made up of monsoon rainforests that occupy deep cut sandstone gorges, radically dissected but found across the Mitchell Plateau and towards the eastern edge of the Prince Regent Plateau further south. Annual rainfall data was also used, focussing on regions with greater than 800mm of annual precipitation. However, this adaption to a niche role in their ecosystem may also pose their greatest threat, especially if introduced species or habitat destruction were to impact the Rough-scaled Python. If we were to lose the already limited monsoon rainforest pockets of the Kimberley, we would certainly lose this python population and quite possibly other endemic species as well.
In 2006, a specimen of M. carinata was found on Bigge Island off the northwestern coast (Porter et al. 2012). Additional expeditions and surveys have confirmed that Bigge Island does host a steady population of Rough-scaled Pythons. J Weigel (personal communication, July 26th, 2025) noted that prior to the discovery in 2006, he held concerns for the conflict between these endemic pythons and the steadily approaching Cane Toad (Rhinella marina) invasion. Although there are no viable examples of these toads causing extinction of predator species, a substantial decline in numbers would be a major concern given the small area in which these pythons are found (Porter et al. 2012). Bigge Island may present an opportunity for conservation, if the ongoing survival of the mainland population becomes compromised. Whilst fauna studies conducted between 2003 and 2004, confirmed that Dingoes (recorded as Canis lupus) do occur on Bigge Island (Start et al. 2007). There is little to no information suggesting that dingos depredate pythons and although it is a possibility, competition for small mammals as prey is much more likely.

The Groote Eylandt Carpet Python population mapped earlier this year, is a great example of how island ecosystems may be much easier to manage. Creating a unique situation, where oceans provide a much-needed barrier from threats like introduced species and human encroachment, despite the widespread and the often negative impact of our own growing population for native wildlife. The Australian Reptile Park’s Rough-scaled Python captive breeding project and the species subsequent success in captivity these many years later, is a testament to what can be achieved with responsible and appropriate interference for the preservation of an at-risk population. Whilst captive bred specimens could never be released back into the wild, a widespread captive population could be reducing the risk of poaching for wild Rough-scaled Pythons.

Acknowledgements:
I thank Chris Jolly for reviewing this piece, without your feedback, assistance and support over the past year, this project would not be what it is today. Ian Bool, John Weigel, Brendan Schembri and Cain Lingrell for taking the time to share your knowledge and provide an insight on this incredible species. Photographs generously provided by the talented Ross McGibbon, Chris Jolly, Brendan Schembri and Ian Bool.

References:
Weigel, J. And Russell, T. 1993. A record of a third specimen of the rough scale python (Morelia carinata). H**petofauna V.23 no.2: 1-5

Weigel, J. 2007. Keeping and Breeding Australian Pythons. Mike Swan H**p Books. Pp.183-195

Smith, L. A. 1981. A revision of the python genera aspedites and python (Serpentes: Biodae) in Western Australia. Records of the Western Australian Museum V.9 no.2: 211-226

Kluge, G. A. 1993. Aspidites and the Phylogeny of Pythonine Snakes. Records of the Australian Museum. V.19: 1-77

Porter, R. Weigel, J. Shine, R. 2012. Natural history of the rough-scaled python, Morelia carinata (Serpentes: Pythonidae). Australian Zoologist V.36 no.2: 137-142

Esquerré, D. Donnellan, S. Brennan, I. G. Lemmon, A. R. Lemmon, E. M. Zaher, H. Grazziotin, F. G. Keogh, J. S. 2020 Phylogenomics, biogeography, and morphometrics reveal rapid phenotypic evolution in pythons after crossing Wallace’s line. Systematic Biology V.69 no.6 1039-1051

Oliver, P. M. Laver, R. J. Smith, K. L. Bauer, A. M. 2014. Long-term persistence and vicariance within the Australian Monsoonal Tropics: the case of the giant cave and tree geckos (Pseudothecadactylus). Australian Journal of Zoology V.61 no.6: 462-468

Fosbury, R. AE. Jeffery, G. 2022. Reindeer eyes seasonally adapt to ozone-blue Arctic twilight by tuning a photonic tapetum lucidum. Proceedings of the Royal Society B. V.289 no.1977: 20221002

Start, A. N. Burbidge, A. A. McKenzie, N. L. Palmer, C. 2007. The status of mammals in the Northern Kimberley, Western Australia. Australian Mammalogy. V.29: 1-16