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Journal article
Assessment of sexual size dimorphism in Pilbara Olive Pythons (Liasis olivaceus barroni) and observations related to reproduction
Australian journal of zoology, Vol.74(3), 25064
2026
Abstract
The Pilbara Olive Python (Liasis olivaceus barroni) is a large-bodied python endemic to the Pilbara and northern Gascoyne regions of Western Australia. Despite its national listing as Vulnerable, data on its morphology, sexual size dimorphism, and reproductive ecology remain limited. We present data from a 4-year monitoring and radio-tracking program comparing measurements from 100 individuals sampled across 12 locations. Allometrically scaled morphometric analyses found minimal evidence of sexual size dimorphism, with males and females showing largely overlapping body proportions. Breakpoint analyses of body mass relative to snout-vent length indicated that males reach sexual maturity at smaller sizes (similar to 1320 mm SVL) than females (similar to 1805 mm SVL). Observations of reproductive activity showed a defined seasonal cycle, with females ovulating in September, gravid in October, and brooding in refuges between October and February. Juveniles were most frequently detected from November to February, with neonate-sized individuals detected in January. Both natural (caves, rocky outcrops, burrows) and artificial shelters (engineered rock wall) were used for brooding, highlighting flexibility in reproductive behaviour. These findings provide the first population-level assessment of sexual size dimorphism and reproductive timing in this subspecies and offer critical baseline data to inform conservation management.
Details
- Title
- Assessment of sexual size dimorphism in Pilbara Olive Pythons (Liasis olivaceus barroni) and observations related to reproduction
- Authors/Creators
- Joshua R. Keen - Murdoch UniversityKarissa Lear - Murdoch University, Centre for Sustainable Aquatic EcosystemsRoy J. Teale - Murdoch UniversityDavid Pearson - Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and AttractionsMelanie McGellin - Department of the Premier and CabinetNathan Beerkens - Murdoch UniversityZoe R. Hamilton - Water Corporation of Western Australia (Australia)Sylvie Schmidt - Department of the Premier and CabinetSamuel Oldfield - Department of the Premier and CabinetS. Timothy Oldfield - Department of the Premier and CabinetJack Eastwood - Department of the Premier and CabinetDamian C. Lettoof - Curtin University
- Publication Details
- Australian journal of zoology, Vol.74(3), 25064
- Publisher
- CSIRO Publishing
- Number of pages
- 14
- Grant note
- Atlas Iron BHP WAIO, Fortescue, HanRoy
- Identifiers
- 991005879654507891
- Copyright
- © 2026 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)).
- Murdoch Affiliation
- School of Environmental and Conservation Sciences; Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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