The Wakarl is the largest python found in Perth and will frequently visit homes. Very large individuals can grow up to 4m long, while most are around half the size.
Threats: Habitat loss and predation by cats and foxes
Will they visit?: South-west Carpet Pythons will visit home gardens located near large reserves and intact bushland
Natural Distribution: Common and widespread throughout the South West and the Perth region
Carpet Python (Morelia spilota) – (CC)Helga Wied. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 Australia License (Atlas of Living Australia)
South-west Carpet Python – (CC) Loxley Fedec. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 Australia License (Atlas of Living Australia)
Morelia spilota imbricata – Tim Bawden (CC-BY NC 4.0)
Habitat at a Glance
See Habitat Guide for more detail
Shelter: Hollows in large trees and constructed nest boxes
Diet: Birds, reptiles, frogs, and mammals
Water: Large frog ponds
ReWild Benefit: Pest control
Habitat Guide - Shelter
Natural Shelter
Generally nocturnal, South-west Carpet Pythons will shelter in fallen hollow logs, burrows, tree hollows, or in the fork of tree branches. They will also shelter in thick litter. Mature large trees and shrubs will provide South-west Carpet Pythons areas to shelter and retreat during the day.
Novel Shelter
South-west Carpet Pythons can be found in surprising places including roofs, sheds, and carports. Below is a habitat box template for a python. Ideally, install the box on a mature tree close to the main trunk or a thick horizontal limb. Ensure the box is inaccessible to resident dogs or cats. Before you build:
Nest-boxes are a long-term commitment and need maintenance and repair over time.
Chipboard is okay, but degrade after a year of use.
Hardier and untreated timber (i.e. Jarrah) will last longer and are less prone to attack by fungi, bacteria, and microorganisms.
Keep away from treated timber as this can emit fumes toxic to wildlife and their young.
Avoid using metal wire inside a box. A wooden ladder on the inside of the nest-box is much more suitable or grooved timber will work well.
Maintenance is critical to ensure wildlife remain safe.
Habitat Guide - Food and Water
Providing natural sources of food
South-west Carpet Pythons will find prey within nearby reserves and around urban areas. They will feed on birds, lizards, frogs, and mammals (including rats). They are ambush predators and rely on camouflage to capture prey.
Providing sources of water
Pythons are known to visit water bodies to bathe and prior to shedding their skin. If you have a large frog pond, ensure you partially submerge a a large rock or log within the pond to ensure a python can enter an exit a pond safely.
ReWild Benefits
South-west Carpet Pythons are high in their food chain and feed on rats and other rodents. Avoid using rat poisons as this can inevitably make a local Stimson’s Python sick due to second-hand poisoning. Having a predator around demonstrates the ecosystem is working well and you can record your sighting on Atlas of Living Australia!
