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Low-color hypomelanistic (reduced black pigment) boas may be as low as $75 at reptile shows, but new and “designer” morphs can cost in excess of $5,000.īe sure to purchase your boa from a reputable source. Wild-phase or normal-colored boas can sometimes be purchased for $60 to $75 at reptile shows, or $150 to $200 in retail stores. Prices vary greatly, depending on the type of boa constrictor you want, and where you purchase it. Sometimes they can be found in exotic shops or reptile shops online.
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The majority of boa litters occur from May through August, so late summer and fall see the highest availability of babies. They have been bred in captivity for decades, and litters are born nearly all year. With reptile health and wellness prioritized, this care sheet should help ensure quality keeping of the Colombian Boa Constrictor.īoa constrictors are readily available in the pet industry, and many breeders specialize in Colombian boa morphs. Proper care can be provided even by beginner hobbyists, but due to their potentially large size and lengthy life span, boas are best suited for moderate- and advanced-level keepers. Colombian boa constrictors make great pets, and they are available in a vast array of appealing color and pattern morphs. constrictor in southeastern Colombia, but these are rarely seen in the reptile world.Ĭolombian boas have become popular due to being docile and having more “personality,” in that they seem to be more curious about their surroundings than some other snakes. Other common names include the common boa and red-tailed boa, although the true red-tailed boa is Boa constrictor constrictor, which is larger and found in countries including Suriname, Guyana, Peru and Brazil. Publications, Inc., 1986.The Colombian boa constrictor is the most widely kept boa constrictor in the pet industry (there are nine accepted subspecies of Boa constrictor, and many localities of some subspecies). New York: Sterling Publishing Co., Inc., 1987. New York: Facts on File Publications, Inc., 1986. Washington: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1996. New York: Sterling Publishing Co., Inc., 1994.Įrnst, Carl H., and Zug, George R. 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.
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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.