Predation on a cryptic rainforest rodent (Pogonomys sp.) by a carpet python (Morelia spilota)

Abstract

The tree mouse (Pogonomys sp.) is a cryptic species from north-east Queensland. We report the first known predation of this species by a reptile, the carpet python (Morelia spilota), based on the identification of hair retrieved from a road-killed python. We describe characteristics of the hair sample and comment on implications that diverse foraging strategies in a reptilian predator may have for prey behaviour and vulnerability. © 2013 Australian Mammal Society.