Python regius (Royal Python)

In 2011, EU imports consisted exclusively of live individuals (42 399) with levels exceeding the high volume threshold, as in 2010. The majority of imports were ranched and traded for commercial purposes. Imports of live P. regius increased by 13% between 2010 and 2011. As in 2010, the majority of trade originated in Togo and Ghana. Trade from Ghana and Togo was reviewed for SRG 45 and positive opinions were confirmed for ranched specimens from these countries, and wild specimens from Togo on 15/09/2008. A positive opinion for wild specimens from Ghana was formed on 12/03/2009.

2010 Summary for Python regius (Royal Python)

Criteria met:  High volume

Principal trade term to the EU:  live

Principal source:  ranched

Top EU importer:  Germany

Top Trading Partner:  Togo, Ghana

CITES Appendix:  II

IUCN Status:  Least Concern

EU-reported imports of live Python regius from the three main sources (‘W’, ‘C’ and ‘R’), all purposes, 2001-2010.

EU imports in 2010 principally comprised live specimens traded for commercial purposes, of which the majority were ranched (30,791 animals) and a notable quantity were captive-bred (6,108 animals); the import of 625 live, wild-sourced animals was also reported.

Although P. regius was selected on the basis of the ‘high volume’ criterion, total live imports (all sources) decreased by 29% between 2009 and 2010; 2010 is the second consecutive year in which imports have decreased.

Ranched imports primarily originated in Togo (50%) and Ghana (48%); wild-sourced imports originated in Togo (40%), Benin (36%) and Ghana (24%). Trade in wild and ranched P. regius from Benin, Ghana and Togo was reviewed by the SRG in 2008. The SRG confirmed positive opinions for ranched specimens from all three countries and wild specimens from Togo on 15/09/2008. The positive opinion for ranched specimens from Benin was reconfirmed on 03/12/2010. A positive opinion was formed for wild specimens from Ghana on 12/03/2009. A suspension for wild specimens from Benin was formalised on 03/09/2008 and reconfirmed on 07/09/2011.