Rangers release one of the six green tree pythons seized during a vehicle intercept on Cape York on New Year’s Eve. Photo: Supplied.
Eight snakes that were allegedly taken unlawfully from their natural habitat near Lockhart River have been released back into the wild after a tip-off led to a vehicle interception and seizure on New Year’s Eve.
On 31 December 2024, the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation received information about snakes being taken from eastern Cape York, leading to Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers, along with police, undertaking a vehicle intercept around Coen.
A search of the vehicle allegedly revealed six green tree pythons and two brown tree snakes, which were seized by rangers.
On 2 January, after the snakes had been assessed as being in good health, QPWS and Kuuku Ya’u rangers released the snakes back to the wild in the Lockhart River area.
Investigations into the incident are continuing, but compliance manager Mike Devery said green tree pythons were a spectacular “near threatened” protected species that could only be found in limited parts of Cape York.
“The removal of one near-threatened species from the wild can have significant and detrimental impacts on local populations,” he explained.
“Due to the striking colours of juvenile and adult green tree pythons, they are targeted by wildlife smugglers as part of the unlawful trade of wildlife.”
Under the Nature Conservation Act 1992, capturing native animals from the wild without a relevant permit is prohibited, with the maximum penalty for offenders being a $483,900 fine or two years imprisonment.
Mr Devery said it was not always such a happy ending for some reptiles.
“Sadly, most green tree pythons that are removed from the wild will die during the smuggling process or once placed in captivity,” he said.
“This is why we have zero tolerance for the removal of any native animal from the wild, and we will take strong action against anyone found in possession of native animals without a permit.”
Anyone with information about the illegal trade of native plants or animals should call 1300 130 372.
