Eight snakes that were allegedly taken unlawfully from their habitat have been released back into the wild in far north Queensland following a tip-off, a vehicle intercept, and a seizure.
On 31 December 2024, the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) received information about snakes being taken from the Lockhart River area on Cape York Peninsula.
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers along with the Queensland Police Service conducted a vehicle intercept in the Coen area.
A search of the vehicle allegedly revealed six green tree pythons and two brown tree snakes, which were seized by Rangers.
On 2 January 2025, after the snakes had been assessed as being in good health, QPWS rangers and Kuuku Ya'u rangers released the snakes back to the wild in the Lockhart River area.
Investigations into the incident are continuing.
Compliance Manager Mike Devery said green tree pythons are a spectacular 'near threatened' protected species that only occur in limited parts of Cape York Peninsular.
"The removal of one near-threatened species from the wild can have significant and detrimental impacts on local populations," Mr Devery said.
"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.
"Sadly, most green tree pythons that are removed from the wild will die during the smuggling process or once placed in captivity.
"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.
"Under the Nature Conservation Act 1992, capturing native animals from the wild without a relevant permit is prohibited.
"Significant penalties apply for unlawfully taking a snake from the wild. If the taking is from a National Park, the maximum penalty is $483,900 or two-years imprisonment."
Anyone with information about the illegal trade of native plants or animals should call 1300 130 372, and all reports are investigated.
