Current status of Python population
Python is a widespread species in Southeast Asia, but there are signs of population decline in all distribution areas. During the 10 years from 2002 to 2012, the stock of this species decreased by more than 80% in some areas of the two bureaus. It has been listed as critically endangered in the two main areas within its distribution range, which is a high proportion of decline. In 2002-2012, due to over exploitation for various purposes, the number of boa constrictors has been reduced by at least 30% globally, which may be close to or more than 50% of the decline in 1992-2002. Due to the impact of habitat loss, the sharp decline of this species has not stopped. Therefore, it is listed as vulnerable species.
The main reasons for the decrease are the man-made harvesting of snake skin, the trade in traditional medicines and pets, and the degradation of natural habitats. Python is a rare animal in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam (q.t. Nguyen & T. Neang pers. 2011.8). Vietnam's red endangered animal data estimate that the decline rate of this species in the country in 10 years is more than 80%（ Danget al.2007）
Boas have become rare in mainland China because of the large number of hunting. The species, once used for food and snake skin, has declined by 90% (Wang Xie. 2009) in Chinese mainland over the past 2002-2012 years, although it is still a protected species in Hongkong. Data on this species are not available in any part of Indonesia (M. auliya pers. 2011.9), but it is also very rare in Indonesia, and even wildlife traders are hard to find (M. auliya & M. D. Iskandar pers. 2011.9). In Thailand, boa constrictor is well protected (T. Chan ard pers. Comm. 2011.9), but due to the reduction of large-scale mining activities in the local area, the habitat loss of boa constrictor is relatively low.
