Dumeril's Boa
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 Dumeril's Boa Acrantophis dumerili
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| Acrantophis dumerili Jan, 1860 |
The Dumeril's Boa (Acrantophis dumerili) is a medium-sized species of boa endemic to the island of Madagascar.
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[edit] Description
The Dumeril's boa is a gray-brown ground color with darker patches, which serve as excellent camouflage against the leaf litter of the forest floor of their native habitat.
Males usually have longer flatter tails, while females are generally larger overall, with most adults reaching around 6-7 feet, with the maximum known length at 8 foot, 6 inches.
[edit] Behavior
Dumeril's boas are nocturnal carnivores. Their diet consists of small animals, such as birds, lizards, and small mammals. They subdue their prey by constriction. They will also eat other snakes which are of a suitable size.
[edit] Habitat
Found along the western coast and southwestern regions of Madagascar, it is a semi-arid habitat that gets fairly low amounts of rainfall. Along with many other species of animals, these boas are in danger of extinction if deforestation continues at its current rate. Also, there is a danger of humans purposely killing these snakes. In some areas of the Dumeril's boa's distribution, the snake is feared, and eliminated immediately. In other areas, the snake is respected, and left alone.
[edit] Reproduction
Sexual maturity is reached between 3 and 5 years of age. Males have anal spurs, which are used in courtship. Their mating season is March through May. Males have two hemipenes. They are ovoviviparous, giving birth to a litter numbering 6-28 babies, each measuring 12-18 inches, 6 to 8 months after mating.
[edit] Conservation status
The Dumeril's boa is listed as "vulnerable", by the IUCN, and is listed as CITES Appendix I, which puts strict limits on its exportation from Madagascar.
[edit] In captivity
Dumeril's boas were once exported from Madagascar in great numbers, but have since been heavily restricted. They are quite prolific in captivity though, and captive bred animals are relatively inexpensive and easy to find in the exotic pet trade. Though their size makes them more suited to someone experienced with large constrictors, they have a typically docile nature, and readily feed on a diet of commercially available rats. Their main concern is that they are prone to stress, which can sometimes make them go off feed or contribute to other health issues.
[edit] References
- Madagascar Reptile & Amphibian Specialist Group (1996). Acrantophis dumerili. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 10 May 2006. Listed as Vulnerable (VU A1cd v2.3)
- Species Acrantophis dumerili at The Reptile Database
- Classic Dums: Dumeril's Boa Care Sheet
- Dumeril's Boa Information Page
