Madagascar Tree Boa

Scientific Name: Boa Mandrita

Madagascar Tree Boa

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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. 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 thermoreceptive 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.

Madagascar Tree Boas Are Beautiful Creatures


Madagascar Tree Boa

Facts About Madagascar Tree Boas


Geographic Location

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 Madagascar 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 females color darkens to provide much needed heat for reproduction.


Captivity

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


Madagascar Tree Boa
Snakes can’t bite food so they have to swallow it whole.