The Masters' snake, known to be sensitive to fire, has been found on private, unburnt land in the Victorian Mallee.
Scientists found that eastern indigo snakes leave detectable DNA in the soil in less than two minutes—and the snakes sometimes continue to be detectable for up to 10 days.
The duo, whose identity has not been revealed by the department, had landed at the Jaipur airport on a flight from Bangkok.
In this case, he was able to safely move the snake into nearby mangroves. He only regrets not having taken more photos of the rare encounter. "I'd rather relocate them as usually the home owners ...