Madagascar Tree Boa

Common Name: Madagascar Tree Boa
Scientific Name: Boa Mandrita

Introduction:

The Madagascar Tree Boa is a Boa species that is usually found in the Madagascar Island. It is known to be non-venomous and its common names include Malagasy Tree Boa and Madagascar Tree Boa. The scientific name is Boa Mandrita. So far, there are no other subspecies recognized.

Description:

Adult Madagascar Tree Boas average four to five feet in length. There have been reports of existing six to seven feet long specimens as well. Females are generally larger than males. These snakes have thermo-receptive pits in between the scales of the labia.  Some members of this species which are endemic to the eastern part of the range, have a green and grayish green color pattern while others have a yellow, brown and orange combination and are endemic to the western part . The former is two thirds of the latter in size.

Geographic range:

The Madagascar Tree Boa is native to Nosy Be, Madagascar as its name suggests. One can also find it in the forested parts of the main Islands.

Habitat:

Trees and shrubs next to streams ponds, rivers and swamps are the preferred living areas of this snake species. 

Behavior:

The Malagasy Tree Boa is a nocturnal snake that is normally active in the evening. It is also known to be arboreal. This snake’s diet consists of bats and birds.

Reproduction:

The Madagascar Tree Boa is Ovoviviparous. The females of this species give birth to about twelve young ones at a time. The young ones measure fifteen inches in length after birth. Upon birth, neonates are normally red in color, which prevents them from being preyed upon by predators and camouflage them as well. During reproduction, the female’s color darkens to provide much needed heat for reproduction.

Captivity:

Madagascar Tree Boa can be kept in captivity, as it is not venomous.