Notes on the reproductive biology of Australian pythons, genera Aspidites, Liasis and Morelia

Published source details Charles N., Field R. & Shine R. (1985) Notes on the reproductive biology of Australian pythons, genera Aspidites, Liasis and Morelia. Herpetological Review, 16, 45-48.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Relocate nests/eggs for artificial incubation: Snakes Action Link
	Breed reptiles in captivity: Snakes – Boas and pythons Action Link

Relocate nests/eggs for artificial incubation: Snakes

A study in 1982–1985 in Queensland, Australia (Charles et al. 1985) found that after bringing brooding female carpet pythons Morelia spilota and an Oenpelli python Morelia oenpelliensis and/or their egg clutches into captivity and incubating (artificially or with the female) the eggs, some carpet python eggs hatched successfully. From five female carpet pythons that were discovered with clutches of 7–23 eggs (clutch size for one snake not given), 21 of 23 and 5 of 7 eggs hatched successfully (one egg opened artificially), and some eggs from three other females also hatched successfully (number not given). None of the 10 eggs produced by an Oenpelli python hatched successfully. Brooding females that were discovered were brought into captivity along with their clutches, or in one case just the clutch was collected. Some eggs from one clutch were removed surgically. Eggs were incubated either in vermiculite or were left to incubate in the female’s coils (see paper for details).

(Summarised by: William Morgan)
Breed reptiles in captivity: Snakes – Boas and pythons

A study in 1979–1985 in a number of captive settings in Australia (Charles et al. 1985) found that black-headed pythons Aspidites melanocephalus, water pythons Liasis fuscus, amethystine pythons Morelia amethistina and carpet pythons Morelia spilota all reproduced with some success in captivity. Two of three female black-headed pythons produced clutches of eight and 10 eggs, with 100% and 0% respectively hatching successfully. Hatchlings survived at least 24 months. Two female water pythons produced three clutches of 19, 17 and 16 eggs, and 79, 82 and 100% respectively hatched successfully. Further captive females (at least 7) produced clutches of 6–23 eggs (hatching data not provided). An amethystine python produced a clutch of seven eggs, all of which produced live hatchlings (one egg opened artificially). Three carpet pythons produced clutches of 12, 29 and 11 eggs, and 0, 21 and 100% respectively hatched successfully. Snakes were collected and held in captivity and eggs were either removed and incubated in moist vermiculite or were left in situ for the female to incubate (see paper for details).

(Summarised by: William Morgan)