Taxonomic notes: Section empty

This species is widespread in Australia occurring from Tamworth in New South Wales north to northern Cape York Peninsula in Queensland (Wilson and Swan 2003). It is known from the Torres Strait islands of Waiben, Kirriri, Badu, Mabuyag and Mua (Lavery et al. 2012). O’Shea et al. (2004) reported the first occurrence outside Australia, at Weam in Western Province, Papua New Guinea. It is likely that this species has a much larger distribution in Papua New Guinea due to the large area of suitable tropical woodland habitat (Natusch and Lyon 2011). It is found at under 50 m asl  in New Guinea.

In Australia this species inhabits a wide range of habitats, from wet coastal rainforests to seasonally dry woodlands in the north and dry savannah and rocky outcrops west of the Great Dividing Range in the south. It is also found in modified areas such as cane fields. It is a nocturnal terrestrial and arboreal species which feeds primarily upon small mammals, birds and reptiles (Cogger 2000, Wilson and Swan 2003). In New Guinea it has been recorded from eucalypt savanna, with numerous termite mounds.

There is no population information available for this species in New Guinea, but its population in Australia is presumably stable. 

Pythons are especially at risk and the populations of pythons of some Asian and African countries have been severely depleted by skin hunters in modem times. Fortunately Papua New Guinea has an enlightened view regarding commercial exploitation of its wildlife, especially by outside commercial interests (O’Shea 1996).

Natusch and Lyon (2011) expressed concern that this species has only recently been recorded in Papua New Guinea (O’Shea 2004), but has apparently been traded for at least the last five years in Maureke region, Indonesia.

All pythons are currently listed under Appendix II of the Conservation of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITIES) which regulates their export. Species that are not assigned a quota cannot be harvested and because this species has not previously been recorded in Indonesia it does not have a harvest quota and thus cannot be legally traded. Traders indicated that the snakes were highly sought after for the international pet trade fetching up to $80 each in Jakarta. It is not currently known whether they were in fact exported from Indonesia, however, given that the Indonesian domestic demand for reptiles is in its infancy, it is highly likely (Natusch and Lyon 2011).                                                   

Natusch and Lyons (2012) noted the trade of this species from Merauke in Indonesian New Guinea and that four individuals were recorded at wildlife traders between September 2010 - April 2011. This species is listed under CITIES but does not have a protection status in Indonesia. There is no quota for this species. 

It is unlikely that any major threats are impacting this species. This species is present in the international pet trade in Indonesia but has not currently been recorded from that country. As this species is currently only known from a restricted area in Papua New Guinea exploitation by the pet trade may be threatening this population. If the populations in New Guinea prove to be distinct from Australian animals their desirability will increase, placing further pressure on these presumably restricted populations. 

• 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 (CITES). This species has protection status in Australia, Papua New Guinea but not in Indonesian New Guinea (Natusch and Lyons 2012). This species occurs in one protected areas, the Tonda Wildlife Management Area in Papua New Guinea and a large number in Australia. Further research into this species distribution in New Guinea and a program to monitor the harvest and trade levels and collection source of individuals is recommended.

Antaresia maculosa has been assessed as Least Concern. It has a large distribution in eastern Australia and is also found in southern Papua New Guinea. It inhabits a wide range of habitats and thrives in modified areas in Australia. It is unlikely to be affected by any major threats and is present in a large number of protected areas in Australia and one in Papua New Guinea. Its population in Papua New Guinea may be threatened by the international pet trade but further research on this is required. If the New Guinea population is found to be distinct, then this population may qualify for listing at a higher threat Category, primarily because of the threat of the impact of international trade.

• Cogger, H.G. 2000. Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. New Holland Publishers, Sydney.
• Lavery, T. H., Watson, J. J., Leung, L. K.-P. 2012. Terrestrial vertebrate richness of the inhabited Torres Strait Islands, Australia. Australian Journal of Zoology 600(3): 180-191.
• Natusch, D. J. D. and Lyons, J. A. 2011. Ecological attributes and trade of white-lipped pythons (Genus Leiopython) in Indonesia New Guinea. Australian Journal of Zoology 59(5): 339-343.
• 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.
• Wilson, S. and Swan, G. 2003. A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia. New Holland, Sydney.