Editing Green tree python (section)

===Captivity===
The green tree python is often bred and kept in captivity, although it is usually considered an advanced species due to its specific care requirements and generally irritable temperament.  However, with proper care, it usually thrives in captivity.<ref>{{cite book|first1=Ron|last1=Kivit|first2=Stephen|last2=Wiseman|year=2005|title=The Green Tree Python and Emerald Tree Boa - Care, Breeding and Natural History|publisher=Kirschner & Seufer Verlag|isbn=3-9808264-0-6}}</ref> It is a popular species among [[Herpetoculture|reptile enthusiasts and breeders]] on account of its adult and juvenile colours. This has led to large numbers being illegally caught in the wild to the detriment of native populations. Transport is hazardous to the snakes' health and up to half are thought to perish in the smuggling process. The species is protected by the [[CITES|Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora]] with its placement on the Appendix II list of vulnerable species, which makes the import, export, and trade of listed wild-caught animals illegal. In 1999, it was fully protected under national legislation in Indonesia.<ref name=lyons/>

Despite this, a flourishing [[Illegal wildlife trade|illegal trade]] continues, and  wildlife breeding farms were found to be serving as conduits to funnel wild-caught green tree pythons out of Indonesia. Investigation in the provinces of [[Maluku (province)|Maluku]]b, West Papua, and Papua from 2009 to 2011 revealed that 80% of green tree pythons exported were caught in the wild, an estimate of around 5337 individuals a year. Harvesting of wild green tree pythons was heaviest in Biak and neighbouring islands, with resulting population decline.<ref name=lyons>{{cite journal | last1=Lyons|first1= Jessica A. |first2= Daniel JD |last2=Natusch |title=Wildlife laundering through breeding farms: illegal harvest, population declines and a means of regulating the trade of green pythons (''Morelia viridis'') from Indonesia |journal=Biological Conservation |volume=144|issue=12 |year=2011|pages= 3073–81 |doi=10.1016/j.biocon.2011.10.002|bibcode= 2011BCons.144.3073L }}</ref>