The ball python is listed as [[Near Threatened]] on the [[IUCN Red List]]; it experiences a high level of exploitation and the population is believed to be in decline in most of West Africa.<ref name="iucn" /> The ball python is primarily threatened by [[poaching]] for the international exotic [[pet trade]]. It is also hunted for its skin, meat and use in [[traditional medicine]]. Other threats include habitat loss as a result of intensified agriculture and pesticide use.<ref name=iucn/> Rural hunters in Togo collect gravid females and egg clutches, which they sell to snake ranches. In 2019 alone, 58 interviewed hunters had collected 3,000 live ball pythons and 5,000 eggs.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=D’Cruze |first1=NeilN. |last2=Harrington |first2=Lauren L.A. |last3=Assou |first3=DélagnonD. |last4=Ronfot |first4=DelphineDe. |last5=Macdonald |first5=David D.W. |last6=Segniagbeto |first6=Gabriel G.H. |last7=Auliya |first7=MarkM. |title=Searching for snakes: ball python hunting in southern Togo, West Africa |journal=Nature Conservation |date=13 March 2020 |volume=38 |pages=13–36 |doi=10.3897/natureconservation.38.47864 |doi-access=free}}</ref>
