The Oenpelli Python (Nyctophilopython oenpelliensis) is one of the largest species of snake occurring in Australia. It is restricted
to the sandstone gorges, caves and outcrops of Western Arnhem Land and Kakadu National Park, where it feeds primarily on
mammals. It is an uncommon snake and its habits are not well known to western science. However, because of its cultural
significance to a number of local Aboriginal clans (who generally refer to it as "Nawaran") there is probably a tremendous amount
of knowledge about this spectacular reptile that has not been written. I visited Kakadu over twelve years before I was finally
presented with the opportunity to photograph one of these snakes in its natural habitat. This animal endured print, slide, digital
stills and digital movie footage with nonchalance over about two hours. I returned the following morning to see if I could get
some photos by natural light to find that it had swallowed a decent meal during the night, possibly a quoll or a rock ringtail
possum. Obviously the flashes didn't put it off it's food! Although I used to keep reptiles as a kid it was with a sense of
satisfaction that I left this snake alone and untouched.