Taxonomic notes: Section empty

This species is endemic to New Guinea. In Indonesian New Guinea it is known throughout West Papua Province in the offshore islands of Misool, Salawati, Batanta and Waigeo. It occurs across the northern areas of Papua Province and the offshore islands of Biak, Numfor, Num, Yapen and Supiori. In Papua New Guinea it is only known from Sundaun in West Sepik Province (O’Shea 1996). It ranges around sea level to 400 m asl.

Little is known of the natural history of this snake except that it inhabits lowland rainforest. It probably preys on scincid lizards (Sphenomorphus) and is nocturnal (Shine and Keogh 1996). It is presumably oviparous.

There is no population information available for this species.

It is doubtful whether there is any use or trade in this species.

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 probably occurs in protected areas in New Guinea. Further research on this species population status, habitats and threats is recommended.

Aspidomorphus schlegelii has been assessed as Least Concern. It has a relatively large distribution in New Guinea and offshore islands. It is presumably not substantially declining. Further research on this species population status, habitats and threats is recommended. 

• O'Shea, M. 1996. A Guide to the Snakes of Papua New Guinea. Independent Publishing, Independent Group Ltd., Port Moresby, PNG.
• Shine, R. and J. S. Keogh. 1996. Food habits and reproductive biology of the endemic melanesian elapids: are tropical snakes really different? Journal of Herpetology 30(2): 238-247.