Python reticulatus (Reticulated Python)

This species was selected on the basis of high volume trade, as in 2010, and in 2011 EU imports principally comprised wild-sourced and captive-bred skins traded for commercial purposes (totalling 262 868 skins from all sources). Notable quantities of small leather products were also imported (28 772 products), the majority wild-sourced. Between 2010 and 2011, total imports of skins (all sources) increased by 44%, while imports of small leather products decreased by 37%. The majority of the captive-bred trade originated in Lao PDR and Viet Nam, while the wild-sourced trade primarily originated in Indonesia. The SRG formed a negative opinion for wild specimens from Viet Nam on 07/12/2012; the positive opinion for wild specimens from Indonesia was removed on 07/12/2012, but re-formed on 28/05/2013. The species, including populations from Indonesia, Lao PDR and Viet Nam is currently under review as part of the CITES Review of Significant Trade process.

2010 Summary for Python reticulatus (Reticulated Python)

Criteria met:  High volume

Principal trade term to the EU:  skins

Principal source:  wild, captive-bred

Top EU importer:  Germany

Top Trading Partner:  Singapore, Indonesia

CITES Appendix:  II

IUCN Status:  -

EU-reported imports of Python reticulatus skins (excluding skins reported by weight or length) from the two main sources (‘W’ and ‘C’), all purposes, 2001-2010.

In 2010, EU imports primarily consisted of captive-bred and wild-sourced skins (98,214 and 83,836 skins, respectively), and wild-sourced small leather products (45,152), the majority of which was for commercial purposes. Total imports of skins (all sources) increased by 64% between 2009 and 2010.

The majority of the wild-sourced skins (90%) originated in Indonesia, while the majority of the captive-bred skins (92%) originated in Viet Nam. The SRG reconfirmed a positive opinion for Indonesia on 29/02/2008.