I believe you are asking about the Australian scrub python that was given full species status about 7 or 8 years ago and is now Morelia kinghorni. The smaller Indonesian and Papua New Guinea scrub python, Morelia amethistina was also given full species status at the same time. A field study conducted 5 or 6 years ago on M. kinghorni in northeastern Australia compiled data on about 100 individuals. The study found only a slight size difference between adult males and females with average adult lengths running between 12 and 14 feet if I remember correctly.
Large specimens have been captured in the past in the 18 to 20 foot range, but these are fairly rare, and individuals over 20 feet are extremely rare. The longest one that I am aware of that has been rated as reliably measured is about a 23 footer. The 27.5 foot record specimen that was said to have been captured near Cairns in the 1940’s has been questioned by numerous people, as reliable evidence is lacking to fully support it. As far as captive specimens, I have heard of a few reaching over 16 feet. I would be interested to hear from others about large captive specimens they know about.
Kelly
