Boas are very important in controlling rodent populations which, when in excess, can have a seriously negative impact on the environment.īauchot, Roland (ed.). Probably their biggest threats are the ever-increasing human populations and the loss of prime habitat. They have long been popular as pets because of their large size and relatively calm demeanor. These snakes are not farmed for their skins, and collecting them from the wild has caused population declines.īoas are also consumed by indigenous people and collected for the pet trade. Boas are nocturnal hunters - they rely on heat-sensing abilities to hunt in the dark.īoas, like many other large snakes, are killed for their skins, which are highly prized in the leather trade.

Boas have special heat-sensing pits on their faces that allow them to detect the body heat of their prey.

Like all snakes, boas are excellent swimmers, but they usually avoid going into the water as much as possible.

These vestigial limbs appear as spurs on either side of the cloaca. Boas are considered primitive snakes, differing from other species by having two vestigial (remnant) hind limbs.In addition, several other species are listed. USFWS: In the United States, 1 subspecies listed as threatened and 2 subspecies as endangered. Population Global: No data Status IUCN: Not listedĬITES: Appendix II one subspecies listed as Appendix I Habitat They inhabit dry tropical forests and open areas.

Range Boa constrictors are native to Central and South America. The longest-lived boa ever recorded was 40 years, 4 months. In general, boa constrictors can live 35 or more years. Sexual Maturity 2-3 years Life Span Along with ball pythons, boas are believed to be some of the longest-lived of all snakes. The young hatch from the eggs, then the mother gives birth to the live young. Size Adults range in size from 2.4-3 m (8-10 ft.) some boas can exceed 3.6 m (12 ft.), but lengths of over 11 feet are extremely rare newborn boas measure about 60 cm (24 in.) Weight Adult boas weigh approximately 27 kg (60 lb.) Diet Variety of birds and mammals Incubation 8-12 weeks Females are ovoviviparous - the young develop in eggs that the female retains inside her body. Their body markings consist of beige blotches on a dark brown background. Scientific Classification Common Name Kingdom Animalia Phylum Chordata Class Reptilia Order Squamata Family Boidae Genus Species Boa (type of snake) constrictor (to grasp)įast Facts Description The boa constrictor is a large, heavy-bodied snake.

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