Pilbara Olive Python

Listed as vulnerable, the olive python is restricted to ranges within the Pilbara region of Western Australia. This python is adept at swimming and uses water holes to hunt for prey by striking from a submerged position as well as waiting in ambush along animal tracks. Known to eat rock wallabies, euros, fruit bats, ducks and birds, they grow up to 2.5m. Threats include major fire events, foxes and development of mining infrastructure.

This species eDNA probe was developed from museum specimens and has been tested on samples from the Pilbara region. The probe is likely to work across its range, although it has not been validated across all potential non-target species known to co-occur with the Pilbara olive python.