​​​Assessment Summary

The Technical Assessment Panel (TAP)  assessed the Black-headed python (Aspidites meloncephalus) as being moderately dangerous to humans, having a low establishment risk with a low consequence of establishment and a low quantitative consequence. The TAP did raise concerns with regard to disease and the potential for this species to be infected with Ophidian Paramyxovirus (OMPV), Inclusion Body Disease (IBD) and/or Sunshine Virus. There are no reports of these viruses being recorded in Tasmania.  Only IBD has been recorded in Australia in captive animals.  Anecdotally OPMV is thought to occur in Australia but is not confirmed.  Identification of these viruses is difficult.  There is a risk that the OPMV virus could be transferred to native species.  With stringent biosecurity measures the risks to native species could be mitigated.

Consequently, the TAP assessment concluded that the risk posed by importing Black-headed python (Aspidites meloncephalus) into Tasmania is moderate and only for import by those licence holders approved for keeping moderate threat species.

Assessment Documentation

  Black-headed Python Risk Assessment   (509Kb)

Contact

Wildlife Management Branch
134 Macquarie Street
GPO Box 44
HOBART TAS 7001
Phone: 03 6165 4305
Fax: 03 6173 0253
Email: wildlife.reception@dpipwe.tas.gov.au