Yurlunggur camfieldendsis – Megafauna Snake

Yurlunggur was a massive, prehistoric snake that lived in Australia around 23 million years ago during the Miocene epoch.

Though Yurlunggur and its relatives are extinct, they likely shared ecological roles with today’s large snakes, such as pythons and boas. Both groups are/were constrictors, relying on their size and strength to overpower prey, and they would have occupied similar niches in the environment. Yurlunggur’s extinction, likely due to environmental changes, mirrors the modern threats faced by large reptiles today, from habitat loss to climate change.

Did you know ?

The name Yurlunggur is connected to the Yolngu people, an Indigenous Australian group from Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. In Yolngu mythology, Yurlunggur is a form of the Rainbow Serpent, a significant ancestral figure associated with creation, water, fertility, and the formation of the landscape.

The Yolngu people, like many Indigenous Australian groups, regard the Rainbow Serpent as a powerful being that shaped the land and has ongoing spiritual importance in their culture.  Other indigenious tribes may refer to this snake as  Wonambi.

Fossil Evidence helps 

Fossil evidence, such as Yurlunggur’s well-preserved vertebrae and skull fragments (was found in the Camfield Beds of Northern Australia), indicating it reached lengths of 6 to 7 meters. (Similar to this Sculpt 6.4m long). These details provide insights into the snake’s size, shape, and anatomy. By studying these fossils, sculptors can accurately recreate the snake’s physical structure, including its body proportions and skull shape. This scientific accuracy ensures that the sculpture is not only visually impressive but also true to the prehistoric creature’s actual appearance, making it ideal for educational exhibits that aim to connect viewers with Australia’s ancient wildlife.

This non-venomous constrictor likely thrived in tropical wetlands, preying on mammals and reptiles. Sharing its name with the Rainbow Serpent from Aboriginal mythology, Yurlunggur holds both scientific and cultural significance, making it a fascinating subject for educational exhibits and nature-inspired sculptures.

Natureworks offers the ability to custom-paint this sculpture in a wide array of colours that can capture the spiritual and mystical qualities of the Rainbow Serpent.

About the Sculpture:-

• Detailed black & Yellow coloured pattern – Custom painted options available to suit your needs
• The colour of Wonambi is purely speculative, this casting has been painted as a jungle python (Morelia spilota cheyni).
• Detailed belly section to suit viewing from below. Suspend in overhead branches for a dynamic viewing
• Can be mounted on a 7 metre log – similar to a natural habitat of the forest floor or floating on a log in a stream setting
• L 640cm  x W 9cm x H 11cm – 40kg – approx
• This snake is manufactured in two pieces to allow for easy shipping. Joins together neatly for easy assembly.
• The girth of the sake is approx 11cm wide and the body’s girth is larger in the centre and tapers gradually to its tail for a realistic preproduction
• Custom painted options available to suit your needs

Why This Sculpt Could Be Considered the Yurlunggur also known as Wonambi narcoortensis snake Species

The Wonambi is part of the “madtsoiid” group of snakes, known for their primitive characteristics and large size. Much like today’s pythons, Wonambi was likely a powerful constrictor, killing its prey through sheer force. While no direct ancestors of the Wonambi exist today, large pythons like the Jungle Python offer a comparable analogue. Their hunting strategies and habitat preferences mirror what palaeontologists believe about the Wonambi’s behaviour, making this sculpture an ideal representation as it bridges the gap between ancient wildlife and living cultural heritage.

Using this sculpt to represent Wonambi allows educational institutions, museums, and zoos to explore a fascinating chapter of Australia’s prehistoric wildlife. It connects visitors to the ancient past and illustrates the evolution of snake species over time. By showcasing the Wonambi, the sculpt encourages curiosity about extinct species, environmental changes, and the cultural significance of the Rainbow Serpent in Indigenous history.