Reptile · GBIF taxon 5960718
Water Python
Liasis fuscusAlso known as Brown Water Python
Water pythons feature a glossy dark olive to iridescent black back contrasted with a striking canary-yellow underside. Native to northern Australia and New Guinea, these semi-aquatic constrictors thrive along rivers, billabongs, and monsoonal floodplains where they hunt under the cover of night. Population numbers track closely with seasonal surges of native rodents on tropical floodplains.
Semi-aquaticNocturnalNon-venomous
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Dusky rats
- Waterfowl
- Frogs
Predators
- Saltwater crocodiles
- Dingoes
- Raptors
ThreatsHabitat degradation, ingestion of toxic cane toads, feral predators
HabitatsMonsoonal floodplains, swamps, rivers, billabongs
Life span15–20 years
Classification
- FamilyPythonidae
- GenusLiasis
- SpeciesLiasis fuscus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Non-venomous, but can deliver a painful bite if cornered or handled; observe from a respectful distance.
- Why it is dangerous
- Equipped with dozens of sharp, recurved teeth that inflict deep lacerations if the snake feels threatened.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for smooth, highly iridescent dark olive dorsal scales paired with a bright yellow underside.
- What to do
- Never corner or grab a wild python; step back and give the animal room to escape toward water.
Responsible observation
- Night Observations: Scan muddy bank edges with a flashlight after dusk to spot their iridescent scales.
- Safe Distance: Maintain at least two meters of space to prevent triggering a defensive strike.
- Habitat Respect: Avoid disturbing dense riverbank vegetation where individuals shelter during the day.
Competitor & Predator (c) Bernard DUPONT, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Andrew Parker, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative TimVickers / Public domain · cc0
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