Duméril's Madagascan Boa (Acrantophis dumerili) Familie: Boas (Boidae) Orden: Squamates or Scaly Reptiles (Squamata)

Size:  Usually 1.5-1.8 m. Possibly up to 3 m. Distribution:  Western and southern Madagascar. Habitat:  Terrestrial, living in dry forest and savanna, where it hides under leaf litter or in rodent burrows etc. during the day. Also found in villages. Food:  Mainly smaller mammals. Reproduction:  Bears up to 7 live young, which measure 42-48 cm at birth. Activity and behaviour:  Nocturnal. Enemies:  Occasionally eaten by locals. The skin is used for leather, frequently sold to tourists. However, skins cannot be taken out of Madagascar, due to the species' protection by international trade restrictions. Status:  Fairly common. Protected by the Washington Convention (CITES). Notes:  Certain places Duméril's Boa is known to be kept by locals to control mice and rats. Other places it is feared and often killed when encountered. References: Glaw, F. & Vences, M. 1994. A field guide to the amphibians and reptiles of Madagascar. 2nd edition including mammals and freshwater fish. M. Vences & F. Glaw, Köln. 480 pp. Walls, J.G. 1998. The living boas. A complete guide to the boas of the world. T.F.H. Publications, Neptune City. 288 pp. Text & layout: Rune Midtgaard

Gallery Home The boa family is found almost exclusively in America. Among the exceptions are a few species from Madagascar, including Duméril's Madagascan Boa. © Rune Midtgaard.