ABSTRACT
The threatened Oenpelli rock python (Nyctophilopython oenpelliensis) is the third largest predator in the Arnhem Land region, and is known to occur in Kakadu National Park and Djelk and Warddeken Indigenous Protected Areas, where it lives in sandstone escarpments. While it is a large apex predator, little is known about this python species, including its habitat or diet, other than it being semi-arboreal and including birds and mammals in its diet. Here we report on a remarkable chance sighting of the Oenpelli rock python eating an adult Rufous owl (Ninox rufa) in a tree at the base of a sandstone scarp. While this species is generally observed at night, other sightings such as this one occurred during the day, suggesting that this species may not be wholly nocturnal but also able to hunt and disperse during the day. Our observations provide some more evidence on the feeding behaviour of this little-known python and may suggest that future surveys need to occur during the day as well as at night.
