Madagascar Ground Boa 

Boa madagascariensis

Conservation status
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Boidae
Subfamily: Boinae
Genus: Boa
Species: B. madagascariensis
Binomial name
Boa madagascariensis
(Duméril & Bibron, 1844)
Synonyms
  • Pelophilus Madagascariensis - A.M.C. Duméril & Bibron, 1844
  • Boa madagascariensis - Boulenger, 1893
  • Acrantophis madagascariensis madagascariensis - Stull, 1935
  • Acrantophis madagascariensis - Guibé, 1949
  • Boa madagascariensis - Kluge, 19911

Common names: Malagasy ground boa,2 Madagascar ground boa.

Boa madagascariensis is a non-venomous boa species endemic to the island of Madagascar. No subspecies are currently recognized.3

Contents

Description

A. madagascariensis

With adults growing up to 10 feet (305 cm) in length and averaging 8 feet (244 cm),2 this is the largest snake species found on the island of Madagascar. Males are typically smaller than the females.

The color pattern consists of a pale reddish-brown ground color mixed with gray, overlaid with a pattern dorsal rhombs outlined with black or brown. Sometimes this creates a vague zigzag impression. The sides are patterned a series of black ovoid markings with reddish blotches, often bordered or centered with white.2

Geographic range

Endemic to Madagascar.1 Occurs in the central and northern parts of the island.2 The type locality given is "Madagascar."1

Habitat

Prefers sparse, open woodland2 (Madagascar dry deciduous forests).

Conservation status

This species is classified as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species with the following criteria: A1cd (v2.3, 1994).4 This means that a population reduction of at least 20% has been observed, estimated, inferred or suspected over the last 10 years or three generations, whichever is the longer, based on a decline in area of occupancy, extent of occurrence and/or quality of habitat, and based on actual or potential levels of exploitation. Year assessed: 2006.5

Also listed as CITES Appendix I, which means that it is threatened with extinction and CITES prohibits international trade except when the purpose of the import is not commercial, for example for scientific research.6

Threatened by deforestation, human population growth, and agricultural and industrial development, it has been considered endangered since 1977.2

Behavior

Shelters in mammal burrows, fallen trees, debris piles and similar sites that offer some protection. Hibernation takes place during the cool and dry winter months, usually May though July.2

Feeding

The diet consists of small mammals and birds.2

Reproduction

Mating takes place after emerging from hibernation. Females may be courted by and copulate with more than one male. Ovoviviparous, females give birth to 4-6 large young after a long gestation period of 4-6 months. Neonates are 19-24 inches (48-61 cm) in length and are already capable of feeding on small rodents and birds.2

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c McDiarmid RW, Campbell JA, Touré T. 1999. Snake Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference, vol. 1. Herpetologists' League. 511 pp. ISBN 1-893777-00-6 (series). ISBN 1-893777-01-4 (volume).
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i Mehrtens JM. 1987. Living Snakes of the World in Color. New York: Sterling Publishers. 480 pp. ISBN 0-8069-6460-X.
  3. ^ Boa madagascariensis (TSN 634788). Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved on 10 July 2008.
  4. ^ Acrantophis madagascariensis at the IUCN Red List. Accessed 10 July 2008.
  5. ^ 1994 Categories & Criteria (version 2.3) at the IUCN Red List. Accessed 10 July 2008.
  6. ^ Acrantophis madagascariensis at CITES and United Nations Environment Programme / World Conservation Monitoring Centre. Accessed 10 July 2008.

Further reading

External links

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Boa madagascariensis