The risk assessment determined the Green anaconda, Eunectes murinus as moderately dangerous to humans, having a low establishment risk, a low consequence of establishment and a low 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 animals assessed as ‘moderate risk’ into the State as long as appropriate mitigation measures, enforced through a wildlife exhibition licence, can be identified and applied.
Mitigation options to reduce the risk associated with importing Green anaconda include:
- Limiting importation to registered wildlife parks or zoos to ensure the holding facility meets the stringent keeping standards Tasmania applies to all institutions.
- Restricting importation by the wildlife parks or zoos to single sex animals, to ensure that no breeding of the species can occur.
- Requiring any wildlife park or zoo to submit a Green anaconda species management plan (including enclosure details) prior to import.
- The wildlife exhibition facility can clearly demonstrate they have proficient keepers for that particular species.