Morelia viridis, or the green tree python, is one of the native and endemic species of Papua that is protected by the Indonesian government. The Papua python or Morelia viridis has two colour variations, namely green and golden. The Head of the West Papua Natural Resources Conservation Center (BBKSDA), Jhoni Santoso Silaban, stated that the Papua python with golden coloration is considered beautiful and is more favoured by enthusiasts.
“Therefore, this variant is more often hunted and the population in the wild is decreasing,” he stated in a written statement quoted by Kompas.com, Monday (13/5/2025). To support the existence of this population in the wild, the government has designated Morelia viridis as a protected species and established several conservation areas for the protection of this habitat.
Like several other types of snakes, this Papua python extends its tongue to identify objects around it. “This snake flicks its tongue quickly to collect smells or particles of chemical substances present in the air,” he said. Those particles are then sent to the Jacobson’s organ located between the mouth and the snake’s nose.
The Jacobson’s organ is a sensory organ that sends signals to the brain, allowing the snake to detect any objects or living creatures in its surroundings.
“The snake’s excellent sense of smell also allows it to track the movement of its prey,” he said. Related to carpet pythons
According to Suroto, although it belongs to the Phythonidae family, the body of the Papua python is relatively slender and medium-sized, like other serpentes species.
“The female species is larger than the male.” The green python can reproduce at a length of 1.5-2 meters,” he said when contacted by Kompas.com, Tuesday (13/5). The tail of this animal is very long, with a size that can even reach 14 percent or about 21-28 cm of its total body length. The neck and head of this animal appear to be distinguishable. “The size of the head of the Papua python itself is quite large, while its neck is slender.”
Its snout is also large with a pointed shape,” he said. The colour of the Papua python at birth Suroto added, the Papua python is born with bright green skin. When born, they are yellow to brownish, but turn green when they reach adulthood.
“This Papuan python has exotic skin.” “This snake has a habitat in trees and is a tame and non-venomous animal,” he said. Suroto, who has been conducting research in Papua for years, revealed that the Papua python has exotic colours, so it’s no wonder that reptile enthusiasts like this snake from Papua. “This snake is among the species whose habitat is threatened.” Breeding efforts have been made, but not many have succeeded because it is difficult to breed that snake,” he said.
Suroto stated that, until now, there has been no special conservation area for this Papua green snake. Usually, this snake will be safe if it is in the habitat of a national park, such as the Wasur Merauke National Park or tourist areas like Raja Ampat. “The Sentani, Merauke, Mimika, Sorong, or Manokwari airports are also very strict in protecting Papua’s rare wildlife, so they are not taken out of the region,” he said. “This snake is still hunted traditionally for consumption, especially by tribes living in the Papua region, such as in Mamberamo River forests,” he said.
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