In a strange twist of fate a python's decision to eat a critically endangered marsupial has saved the reptile from a life of captivity.
The python gobbled down a woylie fitted with a radio collar that was being tracked by scientists trying to save the marsupials from extinction.
VIDEO: Stolen snake tracked down
Department of Environment and Conservation officers were working in Narrogin bushland last week and were hot on the trail of a woylie when they discovered the two-metre long python had engulfed the marsupial together with its wristband sized tracking device.
The gluttonous python was taken to DEC's Woodvale Research Centre for care, while officers waited for the device to pass through its system.
Sometime over the weekend burglars broke into the Woodvale facility and stole the python along with its give-away tracking device still secretly sending signals out from the reptile's insides.
Yesterday, WA police and DEC officers used airborne radio tracking technology to trace the reptile and recovered it at a Heathridge home.
Spokesman Nigel Higgs said the technology enabled officers to come within 60m of the stolen python.
Police today chargeda 30-year-old man with receiving stolen goods relating to the theft and enquiries are continuing.
PERTH LISA CALAUTTI
