IUCN SSC Snake Specialist Group

More about the Specialist Group

Some of our accomplishments during the previous quadrennium:

• Improved knowledge of the trade of Southeast Asian reptiles.
• A change in the supply chain of skins from Southeast Asian reptiles due to better interaction with traders and local governments.
• A substantial advance in CITES provisions related to snake trade.
• Better knowledge on the status of several threatened species, particularly of the Endangered Cropani’s Boa (Corallus cropanii).
• A significant advance in Red List assessments of the species in our remit.
• A more integrated and communicated group which will redound to more effective conservation actions worldwide.

Impact on species’ conservation status for the 2021-2025 quadrennium:

1. To provide expert opinion and scientific advice on the conservation, management and sustainable use of boas and pythons.
2. To assess and disseminate the role of boas and pythons (and other snakes) in ecosystem health and functioning, and their support to people’s livelihoods.
3. To foster and encourage research into all aspects of these taxa.  
4. To provide solutions to identified problems.