An Australian conservationist was shocked to seize the extremely uncommon second a python ate one other snake of the identical species — whereas it was nonetheless alive.
Wildlife Sanctuary supervisor Nick Stock was checking on the standing of an arson occasion in Far North Queensland when he stumbled upon the wild cannibalism occasion.
Creeping nearer to get a greater look, Nick found the Black-headed Python wrapped itself round one other creature and gave the impression to be constricting its prey. That’s when he seen the snake’s prey was the truth is a smaller Black-headed Python that it was consuming tail-end first.
“It was a surprise at first, but I feel really fortunate to witness such an event,” Nick said. While he’s seen the pythons consuming different snakes, it’s the primary time he’s witnessed one consuming one other python.
“Fortunately for me but not-so-fortunately for the python being consumed, it took around 15 minutes from when I first witnessed the initial constriction to the python finishing its meal and returning to its burrow which was only about 10 feet away. This gave me plenty of time to get a camera and document the event.”
Documenting cannibalism is ‘fortunate’
Dr Helena Stokes, AWC Wildlife Ecologist, mentioned witnessing and documenting a cannibalism occasion within the wild requires a good bit of luck.
“Although cannibalism has been witnessed in this species in captivity and has been reported in the wild, getting images or footage of such an event in the wild is quite unusual and lucky,” Dr Stokes mentioned.
“Black-headed Pythons prefer to eat reptiles over mammals and are known to eat larger reptiles including goannas, and even venomous snakes, so I’m not stunned that they’d devour one other python if the chance arose.
“By consuming different people, they’re additionally decreasing competitors for assets within the space.”
Situated within the distant centre of the Cape York Peninsula, Piccaninny Plains Wildlife Sanctuary is a recognized hotspot for distinctive and uncommon wildlife encounters. The 165,000 hectare property is collectively owned by Australian Wildlife Conservancy and The Tony & Lisette Lewis Foundation – Wildlife Link.
Aussies shocked by the discover
Sharing the exceptional photos to Facebook, many had been fast to touch upon the astounding second. “That’s a rough way to go. Poor thing is still alive!” mentioned one person.
“I love snakes but this is def a yeah nah situation,” commented one other.
“It’s a snake eat snake world,” added a 3rd.
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