Kakadu National Park Northern Territory Reptiles

A medium-to-large python specialized for riparian habitats, the Water Python frequently hunts frogs and fish along billabongs and creeks. In Kakadu it is common in papyrus and pandanus fringes where it ambushes prey and seeks refuge in dense vegetation.

Medium-large python with patterned brown/black scales often with a chain-like dorsal pattern; head not extremely broad and body strong but more agile than olive pythons. Search near dense aquatic vegetation and under logs beside water.

Common Confusions

• Olive Python Liasis olivaceus Olive pythons are bulkier with a more uniform olive sheen; water pythons are often darker and more patterned and closely tied to water margins.
• Keelback Tropidonophis mairii Keelbacks are thinner and much smaller, with keeled (ridged) scales; water pythons are thicker-bodied constrictors.
• Amethystine Python Morelia amethistina Amethystine pythons have iridescent sheen and different patterning; water pythons are less iridescent and more tightly patterned for aquatic camouflage.
• Brown Water Snake Myron spp. Myron species are small, water-specialist snakes with different head shape and size compared to the heavier-bodied water python.
• Freshwater Crocodile Crocodylus johnsoni Crocodiles are armored and semi-aquatic with broad tails; pythons are limbless reptiles and have smooth, flexible bodies.