DOI: 10.1071/zo26033 ISSN: 0004-959X
Notes on the natural history of black-headed pythons (Aspidites melanocephalus) at the northern tip of Australia
Daniel J. D. Natusch, Jessica A. Lyons, Richard ShineWe present natural history data on free-living black-headed pythons (Aspidites melanocephalus) from the northern tip of Cape York, Australia. Between 2013 and 2016, we captured 62 pythons (for a total of 77 captures) opportunistically or during nocturnal road surveys. The sample was dominated by large adults, with significantly more males than females. Sexual dimorphism was not significant for any measured trait, but most of the largest individuals were males. All prey items were reptiles; mostly varanid lizards. Growth rates were low and variable. Woodland was strongly preferred over rainforest, and we document male–male combat in wild specimens of this species.