Credit: Christopher Watson (http://www.comebirdwatching.blogspot.com/), CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Bredli Python Fact File
Morelia bredli
Bredli pythons are named for the Australia herpetologist Joe Bredl. They may also be known as the Centralian carpet python, a reference to their range in the center of Australia.
These animals are carnivores and will feed on mammals, birds and lizards.
Females deposit their eggs in a tree hollow and then remain there wrapped around the eggs until they hatch to protect them.
This species has few threats. They are present in the pet trade both in Australia and internationally but most come from captive breeding.
Read on to learn more about these remarkable reptiles.
Appearance
What does the Bredli python look like?
Bredli pythons are covered by scales which are colored a reddish-brown across the back with numerous blotches and bars running along the sides and black which are cream or beige in color. On the underside they have white or yellowish scales. Stripes often have a dark edge in the back portion of the body.
Their tongue is colored blue and forked at the end. Their head is distinct from the body widening at the base.
As with similar species in their group they have visible heat sensing pits on either side of the mouth which assist them to find food.
An average length for the species is 2.2m (7.2ft) long though large specimens have been recorded and their body is incredibly thick.
Diet
What does the Bredli python eat?
Bredli pythons are carnivores which feed on mammals such as rabbits and wallabies, reptiles and birds. They have also been recorded feeding on feral cats and rabbits.
As a non-venomous python the bredli python relies on using its strength to squeeze prey and constrict it to death.
Credit: Christopher Watson (http://www.comebirdwatching.blogspot.com/), CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Range
Where can you find the Bredli python?
Australia is the native home of the Bredli python. Here they are found in the center of the country in the Northern Territory.
Habitat
What kind of environment does the Bredli python live in?
They are found in the arid central areas of Australia. Here they make their home in forest, savannas, wetlands and rocky areas such as cliff sides.
These animals will seek shelter in a cave, rabbit warren or crevice among the rocks.
Reproduction
How does the Bredli python produce its young?
Mating occurs during August and September.
The female will lay a clutch of 13-47 eggs which are deposited in a tree hollow. She will remain with her eggs as they incubate coiling around them to keep them warm and scaring away predators.
Their eggs will hatch after 60 days of incubation.
Behavior
What does the Bredli python do with its day?
Bredli pythons are considered to be arboreal and will climb in trees and shrubs.
During summer these animals will become nocturnal. In spring and autumn night time temperatures are too low and as such they must emerge during the day in this period.
As they grow the Bredli python will shed their old skin and this is replaced by a new one waiting underneath.
Credit: Christopher Watson (http://www.comebirdwatching.blogspot.com/), CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Predators and Threats
What is impacting the survival of the Bredli python?
As cane toads are moving in to the range of the bredli python they may feed on this species and fall victim to their poison.
The IUCN considered the Bredli python to be an abundant species.
They are present in the international pet trade but the vast majority of specimens being traded have been bred in captivity.
Quick facts
The Bredli python may also be known as Bredl's carpet python or the centralian carpet python.
This species is named after the Australia herpetologist Joe Bredl.
Some sources place the bredli python as a subspecies of carpet python with the Latin name, Morelia spilota bredli. They appear to have diverged enough from the other species in this group to be elevated to a full species.
References
Swanson, S. and Parish, S., 2011. Field Guide To Australian Reptiles. 2nd ed. New South Wales: Pascal Press.
Cogger, H., Fenner, A., Hutchinson, M. & McDonald, P. 2017. Morelia bredli. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T42494066A42494080. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-3.RLTS.T42494066A42494080.en. Downloaded on 20 September 2021.
Oakvale Wildlife. 2021. Centralian Carpet Python | Our Animals | Oakvale Wildlife. [online] Available at: <https://oakvalewildlife.com.au/explore/our-animals/centralian-carpet-python> [Accessed 20 September 2021].
Carpetpythons.com. 2021. Bredls Python - Morelia bredli. [online] Available at: <https://www.carpetpythons.com/morelia-bredli-97.html> [Accessed 20 September 2021].
Carpet Pythons. 2021. Centralian Carpet Pythons. [online] Available at: <https://carpetpythons.com.au/centralian-carpet-pythons/> [Accessed 20 September 2021].
The Reptarium. 2021. BREDLI CARPET PYTHON. [online] Available at: <https://thereptarium.com/pages/bredli-carpet-python> [Accessed 20 September 2021].
Niabi Zoo. 2021. Bredl's Python - Niabi Zoo. [online] Available at: <https://www.niabizoo.com/animals-habitats-details/bredls-python/> [Accessed 20 September 2021].
Thesnakeranch.com. 2021. [online] Available at: <https://thesnakeranch.com/snake-profiles/centralian-carpet-python/> [Accessed 20 September 2021].
Inlandreptile.com. 2021. Morelia bredli. [online] Available at: <http://www.inlandreptile.com/bredli/morelia%20bredli.htm> [Accessed 20 September 2021].
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