This risk assessment is for three Childrens pythons: Antaresia childreni (Children's Python); A. stimsoni (Stimson's Python); and A. maculosa (Spotted Python).
The term 'Children's Pythons' used in this assessment refers to the three species A. childreni, A. stimsoni and A. maculosa. It does not include the remaining member of the genus, A. perthensis (Pygmy Python), which is the world's smallest python and is substantially different from the assessed species.
The three Childrens pythons occupy distinct ranges in central Australia, tropical northern Australia and northeast Australia. Populations also occur on some offshore islands.
Climate modelling suggests that Tasmania's climate is moderately similar to the native range of these species.
The risk assessment determined the Childrens python as not dangerous to humans, having a low establishment risk, a moderate consequence of establishment, and a moderate qualitative and quantitative consequence. It was therefore proposed the species be assigned to a moderate threat category.
Following the initial risk assessment, the Department considers permitting the importation of reptiles assessed as ‘moderate risk’ into the State as long as appropriate mitigation measures, enforced through a wildlife exhibition licence or a permit for businesses that display reptiles for educational purposes, can be identified and applied.
Mitigation options to reduce the risk associated with importing Childrens python could include:
- Limit importation to registered wildlife parks, zoos or businesses that display reptiles for educational purposes, to ensure that holding facilities meet the stringent keeping standards that apply to all such institutions in Tasmania;
- Require any wildlife park, zoo or business to submit a Childrens python Species Management Plan (including enclosure details) prior to import; and
- Require wildlife exhibition facility licence holders and businesses that display reptiles for eduacational purposes to clearly demonstrate that they have proficient keepers for the species.
Childrens Pythons (Antaresia spp.) (711Kb)