Records of the inland carpet python morelia spilota metcalfei (Serpentes: Pythonidae) in the north east catchment management area, north-east Victoria, and the implications for fire planning

A study to obtain records of the endangered Inland Carpet Python Morelia spilota metcalfei Wells & Wellington 1984 was conducted in the North East Catchment Management Area, north-east Victoria, between August 2010 and February 2011. A range of survey methods were used to procure recent and historical records. Interviews with resident landholders and staff from natural resource management agencies produced 27 python records from 18 new localities. Nineteen records were authenticated and eight records remained unconfirmed. Most sightings were made by resident landholders from the late 1960s to the early 1980s and originated from Mount Pilot, Burrowa-Pine Mountain, Mount Mittamatite, Mount Granya, Mudgegonga, Rosewhite and the Warby Ranges. These new localities should be considered in regional and statewide conservation planning for the species. Vegetation assessments at each location revealed an association with Granitic Hills Woodland (EVC No. 72), confirming that north-facing remnants and granite landforms are important habitat for the Inland Carpet Python in north-east Victoria, and warrant further protection. Fire planning in the upper Murray region should consider fire intensity and the seasonal timing of burns to reduce the risk of habitat loss and mortality. Key recommendations, based on the ecological requirements of the Inland Carpet Python, include implementing small-scale, low intensity fires during late autumn.