Leiopython meridionalis

(Schleip, 2014)

Vernacular names
English : Southern white-lipped python
French : Python à lèvres blanches du sud

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Family : Pythonidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can grow to 2.8 meters for a weight of 8 kg. Slender body, large head. Coloration is mostly black with bluish tinge on back, clearing up to reddish-black on lower flanks. White spots on lips, white chin and belly, no white spot behind eyes.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in Australasia and is endemic to the southern areas of Papua New Guinea, being found only in the Western Province. Lives in leaf litter of forests and woodlands.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species has a fairly small range but seems locally common. Occasionally caught for the trade.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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