Taxonomic notes: Section empty

This species has a broad range in New Guinea and nearby island groups, and occurs throughout most of New Guinea at elevations below 1800 m asl. It has also been recorded from the offshore islands Misool, Salawati and Seram in West Papua Province, and Obi and the Aru islands in Maluku Province (O’Shea 1996). 

It can be a common species, particularly in highland limestone areas and gardens.

This species is widespread in monsoon and rainforest habitats, both lowland and mid-altitude upland areas. It has also been encountered in savanna woodland, upland grassland valleys and modified areas such as coffee plantations and cultivated gardens. It is a nocturnal snake and frequently found under rubbish or vegetation debris. It is ovoviviparous with a litter size of up to eight and its diet consists of terrestrial skinks and other lizards, birds or small mammals and possibly frogs (O’Shea 1996).

Natusch and Lyons (2012) noted the trade of this species from Merauke in Indonesian New Guinea and found that thirteen individuals of this species were recorded at a wildlife traders between September 2010 - April 2011; though this may refer to specimens of A. rugosus. This species is not listed under CITES and does not have protected status in Indonesia. There is no quota for this species. It does seem to be a species that is currently of interest to collectors.

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

There are no known species-specific conservation measures in place for this species. This species occurs in protected areas in New Guinea and its offshore island.

Acanthophis laevis has been assessed as Least Concern. It is widespread throughout most of New Guinea and its offshore islands. It is unlikely that any majors threats are affecting this species and it is present in many protected areas.

• 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.