Kofiau Green Tree Python

The Kofiau green tree python is found only on Kofiau Island, part of the Raja Ampat archipelago off the western tip of New Guinea. As with other outlying islands in this region, isolation has produced a locally distinct-looking population of Morelia viridis.

This locality is less commonly documented than mainland forms due to the island's remoteness, and represents one of the more geographically restricted named populations of the species.

• Green adult coloration, generally consistent with mainland forms but sometimes noted as more uniformly colored with less flecking
• Faint or reduced white vertebral markings
• Broad triangular head with heat-sensing labial pits
• Vertical pupils
• Prehensile tail
• Hatchlings are yellow or red before the shift to green

Confined to Kofiau Island's lowland tropical forest within the Raja Ampat Islands, occupying arboreal habitat in forest understory and edge vegetation at low elevation.

Nocturnal and arboreal, resting coiled on a perch through the day. Ambushes small mammals, birds, and lizards at night, subduing prey by constriction. Oviparous, with females coiling around eggs during incubation.