Some of these snakes were registered in collections as early as around 1972 ( different years in different states ) and their descendants can still be found in private collections today . However , many more GTPs , both native and exotic , surfaced during the NSW reptile amnesty in 1996 , all registered as Morelia viridis , since M . azureus wasn ’ t widely accepted as a distinct species at the time and the wildlife authorities were happy to ignore any differences . However , a tsunami of illegal imports hit Australian shores in and around the year
‘ There is probably only ONE PERSON IN THIS COUNTRY capable of VISUALLY
DISTINGUISHING between GTPs on a reliable basis .’
2006 . These animals ( of unspecified provenance and typically in poor condition ) came to Australia from a certain Indonesian snake farm and were quickly dispersed into collections at cheap prices . More recently , other small shipments have slipped through the net ; some ( I believe ) from well-known overseas localities .
So what we now have in the reptile hobby in Australia today is a mixed bag comprising pure Aussie native GTPs , other ‘ locality type ’ exotics , plus hybrids between the two . Are we really able to discern , with any certainty , the difference between these categories ?
This is an important and timely question , considering the current position in NSW . Since mid-last year , the NSW Biodiversity and Wildlife , Parks Conservation and Heritage Branch of the National Parks and Wildlife Service has been refusing to issue import permits for non-native GTPs from other states . Anyone applying for such a permit is told to produce proof from the interstate breeder that the GTPs concerned are of Cape York origin . When questioned as to the type of evidence that would be considered ‘ proof ’, the response has been either vague , or nonexistent . Last year I personally corresponded with a senior officer in the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service , seeking clear guidelines and information regarding this issue , but my request was ignored . Other keepers have reported similar experiences . It is apparent that the NSW authority is actively searching for information on how to identify native and non-native GTPs , including the use of DNA testing .
So , let ’ s examine what technology and expertise is
Below : Aussie native with complete white stripe . Right : Mite phase - captive-bred form with no natural provenance . All images by Michael Cermak .
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