Community-powered project puts Murray-Darling carpet python on the map
The Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board’s iSPYthon project has been recognised as a finalist in the 2026 South Australian Citizen Science Awards.
When the project began, less than 15 Murray-Darling carpet python records had been collected across the region in the previous decade. Four years on, iSPYthon has generated more than 100 validated records, providing valuable insights into where these reptiles live and the habitats they rely on.
The project has brought together the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board, First Nations partners, researchers, land managers, schools, volunteers and conservation organisations to expand survey efforts and build knowledge about this elusive species.
Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board threatened fauna ecologist Mel Burford said being recognised by the Citizen Science awards highlighted the important role communities and partnerships play in supporting conservation.
“This project shows what can be achieved when communities, scientists and land managers work together,” Mel said.
“Every sighting, survey and conversation helps us to better understand the Murray-Darling carpet python and the habitats it depends on. The knowledge shared by the community is invaluable.”
Partnerships have been at the heart of iSPYthon, with Mid Murray Landcare, the River Murray and Mallee Corporation, University of Adelaide researcher Harrison Kent, Animals Anonymous, Zoos SA, Little Australian Stories, Skylos Ecology, Yookamurra (Australian Wildlife Sanctuary), River Murray Youth Council, local schools and countless landholders contributing to survey efforts and habitat assessments on their properties.
Keep an eye out for Murray-Darling carpet pythons this spring
As the weather warms up, Murray-Darling carpet pythons become more active and may be spotted moving through the landscape.
Community members can continue to help build knowledge about this species by reporting sightings through iSPYthon: https://bit.ly/iSPYthon
If you spot a Murray-Darling carpet python, safely take a photo and submit your sighting, as every record helps researchers understand where these pythons are found and supports future conservation work.
