Oenpelli python

The Oenpelli python was assigned to a taxonomy in 1977 by Gow, who placed it in the genus Python. It was then categorised by Cogger and Cameron as a species of Morelia. The specific name, oenpelliensis, is derived from the type locality, which is given as "6.5 km S.W. of Oenpelli, Northern Territory, Australia (12°21'S, 133°01'E)". In 2020, the name Nawaran was erected for the genus, overlooking the available name Nyctophilopython for the species which was immediately synonymised with the resurrected Nyctophilopython. As of September 2024, ITIS and the IUCN Red List identify the Simalia classification as valid,Species. Taxonomy {{webarchive|date=24 November 2020 ==Description==

A large and rare species of the monotypic genus Nyctophilopython, the Oenpelli python may grow to more than in total length (including tail), and one specimen in captivity is reportedly more than in total length. The Oenpelli python is able to change its skin colouration, which tends to be lighter at night and darker in the daytime. The eggs of the Oenpelli python have been described as "huge". ==Behaviour==

The Oenpelli python is nocturnal and inhabits rock crevices, trees, and caves. It feeds on birds in fruiting trees, and has been speculated to specialise in eating birds. Adults prey on medium-to-large mammals, such as possum or large macropods. Captive specimens eat birds and rodents. It is an ambush predator that remains motionless for long periods. ==Distribution and habitat==

The Oenpelli python occurs in a restricted range in the Northern Territory, in the sandstone outcrops of western Arnhem Land. It is said to be associated with sandstone rock outcrops with dense vegetation. ==Conservation status==

The total population of N. oenpelliensis is poorly surveyed, and no study has been made of the rate of its decline. This is partly due to the inaccessibility of the region, a factor that may help the preservation of the species. The conservation status of Nyctophilopython oenpelliensis is listed by the Northern Territory Government as vulnerable to extinction. This has been evaluated by known threatening factors, such as altered land use and fire regimes, and population inferred from the relative abundance of its prey. This is estimated to be below 10,000, which is inferred from several factors. As a large predator, the species is particularly vulnerable to declines in available prey. These larger mammals are more susceptible to changes in land use and threats such as introduced species. Suitable habitat is also limited in the distribution range of the species. The species is known to be illegally collected for private use, which is likely to impact on some subpopulations. This threat is limited by the inaccessibility of its habitat, the same factor that has restricted study of the species. Variation and decline in subpopulations has not been fully evaluated. It is found within a conservation reserve known as Kakadu National Park. and has had some limited success. As of July, 2014, the program included six specimens. ==In Aboriginal language and culture==

In the Kunwinjku language spoken in Oenpelli itself (now known as Gunbalanya), the Oenpelli python is called nawaran. The Oenpelli python has historically been a totemic creature for the Bininj Aboriginal people and because of its iridescent scales it may also be associated with the Rainbow Serpent. ==References==