Taxonomic notes: Section empty

This species is endemic and wide spread throughout mainland lowland and submontane New Guinea. In Indonesian New Guinea it has been recorded on the offshore islands of Biak in Papua Province and Misool in West Papua. In Papua New Guinea it has been recorded on Karkar Island, and on the offshore island of Fergusson in Milne Bay Province (O’Shea 1996). It can be found up to at least 700 m asl.

This species inhabits lowland monsoon and rainforest, and savannah woodlands. It preys on mammals, birds, and reptiles including other pythons (O’Shea 1996, 2007).

It is only occasionally encountered, but its population in New Guinea is presumably stable. 

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. Papua New Guinea has laws prohibiting the commercial exploitation of its wildlife, especially by outside commercial interests (O’Shea 1996).

Yuwono (1998) recorded the trade of this species from Indonesian New Guinea but noted that it was difficult to get it in any quantity. Natusch and Lyons (2012) noted the trade of this species from Jayapura and the Vogelkop in Indonesian New Guinea. Fifteen and nine individuals (respectively) were recorded at wildlife traders between September 2010 - April 2011. This species does not have a protection status in Indonesia. The quota for this species was 100 from Papua and 200 from West Papua. 

It is unlikely that any major threats are impacting this species.

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 Papua New Guinea but not in Indonesian New Guinea (Natusch and Lyons 2012). 

This species occurs in many protected areas in New Guinea. A program to monitor the harvest and trade levels in New Guinea is recommended. 

Apodora papuana has been assessed as Least Concern. It has a large distribution in New Guinea and some offshore islands. It inhabits a wide range of habitats and can be found in village gardens. It is unlikely to be affected by any major threats and is present in many protected areas in New Guinea. It is present in the pet trade in Indonesian New Guinea but this is unlikely to be significantly threatening the species, further research on monitoring trade and harvest levels is recommended. 

• 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.
• O'Shea, M. 2007. Boas and Pythons of the World. New Holland, London.