[2] C. carinata is found in Indonesia, New Guinea, and the Bismarck Archipelago.

[1] C. carinata is popular as a pet in Indonesia, where it is known by the common name monopohon (pohon means "tree" in the Indonesian language).

[3] Males of C. c. paulsoni are smaller and lighter than females,[3] and show spurs.

The colour varies from dark brown to auburn with distinct patterns, though there is also the color morph "paulsoni santa isabella ", which is white.

[1] The specific name or subspecific name, paulsoni, is in honour of Swedish herpetologist John Paulson.