Morelia azurea azurea

(Meyer, 1874)

Vernacular names
English : Northern green tree python
French : Python vert du nord

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Family : Pythonidae
Notes : 2 other subspecies known.

Identification
The species can reach a body length of 2 m for a weight of 1.6 kg. Long tail, longer head with large nasal flares. Adults are green with no blue on upper back and dark tail tip. Juveniles have a triple-banded iris and are yellow or red.

Range and habitat
This subspecies is endemic to the islands of Biak and Numfor, off north-west New Guinea. Species found in the northern half of New Guinea and nearby islands. Lives in lowland to mid-montane moist forests, sometimes gardens, to 2000 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN (as M. viridis)
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species as a whole remains safe so far but some of its population are under heavy pressure from overcollecting. Monitoring is needed.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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