Taxonomic notes: Section empty

This species has a large distribution, ranging from the eastern Indonesian islands, New Guinea to the Bismarck Archipelago. In Indonesia it has been recorded on the Minahassa peninsula, Sangihe and Talaud islands in northern Sulawesi, Tanimbar islands, Seram and the other northern Maluku islands (in de Bosch 1985, O’Shea 1996). In Indonesian New Guinea it occurs throughout West Papua Province and across the northern coastal region to the Huon Peninsula of Moreby Province, Papua New Guinea. It is found in the south west of Papua New Guinea in Western and Gulf Province. It is also found throughout the Bismarck Archipelago and Admiralty islands. It is found at elevations from sea level to around 1,525 m asl. (O’Shea 1996).

This species can be found in a variety of habitats from rainforests to caves and also disturbed environments such as plantations and rural gardens (O'Shea 1996). Typical of snakes of this genus, this species is generally found either on or close to the ground (Foufopoulos and Richards 2007). It is viviparous with a clutch size of up to six. Its diet consists primarily of skinks but may also take gecko eggs and frogs (O’Shea 1996).

There is no population information available for this species but its population is probably stable. 

Yuwono (1998) recorded the trade of this species from Indonesian New Guinea, and that thousands of specimens could be collected if required. Natusch and Lyons (2012) noted the trade of this species from Jayapura and the Vogelkop in Indonesian New Guinea. Sixteen and Eighty-three individuals (respectively) were recorded at wildlife traders between September 2010 - April 2011. This species is listed under CITES but does not have protected status in Indonesia. The CITES quota for this species was 400 from Papua and 400 from West Papua.  

It is unlikely that any major threats are impacting this species. It is present in the pet trade but current levels are unlikely to be posing a significant threat to this species.

• 5.1.1 Intentional use (species is the target)

This species is listed under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITIES) (http://www.cites.org/eng/app/appendices.php). 

This species has protection status in Papua New Guinea but not in Indonesian New Guinea (Natusch and Lyons 2012). 

This species occurs in protected areas in New Guinea and the Bismarck Archipelago. Monitoring the trade and harvest levels of this species is recommended. 

Candoia carinata has been assessed as Least Concern. It has a large distribution occurring in eastern Indonesian islands, New Guinea, the Bismarck Archipelago and Admiralty islands. It is not likely to be affected by any significant threats and is present in many protected areas. It has been recorded in the pet trade but this is not posing a threat at present.

• Crombie, R.I. and Pregill, G.K. 1999. A checklist of the herpetofauna of the Palau Islands (Republic of Belau), Oceania. Herpetological Monographs 13: 29-80.
• Foufopoulos, J. and Richards, S. 2007. Amphibians and reptiles of New Britain Island, Papua New Guinea: diversity and conservation status. Hamadryad 31(2): 176-201.
• in den Bosch, H.A.J. 1985. Snakes of Sulawesi: checklist, key and additional biogeographical remarks. Zoologische Verhandelingen 217: 3-50.
• Natusch, D. J. D. and Lyons, J. A. 2012. Exploited for pets. The harvest and trade of amphibians and reptiles from Indonesia New Guinea. Biodiversity Conservation 21: 2899-2911.
• O'Shea, M. 1996. A Guide to the Snakes of Papua New Guinea. Independent Publishing, Independent Group Ltd., Port Moresby, PNG.
• Yuwono, F.B. 1998. The trade of live reptiles & amphibians in Indonesia. In W. Erdelen (ed.) Conservation, Trade & Sustainable Use of Lizards & Snakes in Indonesia. Mertensiella 9: 9-16.