Malagasy Tree Boa
The Malagasy Tree Boa is a non-venomous boa species found on the island of Madagascar. Adults can average 4-5 feet in length. Females are normally large than males.
Thermoreceptive pits are located between the labial scales. The Malagasy Tree Boa will use its thermoreceptive pits to help locate its prey. It will leave the trees to actively hunt for small mammals on the ground. It mostly feeds on mammals and birds.
Females give birth to up to 12 young at a time, each about 15 inches in length. When females become gravid their skin colour darks. This adaptation provides increased heat absorption for the developing young.
Thermoreceptive pits are located between the labial scales. The Malagasy Tree Boa will use its thermoreceptive pits to help locate its prey. It will leave the trees to actively hunt for small mammals on the ground. It mostly feeds on mammals and birds.
Females give birth to up to 12 young at a time, each about 15 inches in length. When females become gravid their skin colour darks. This adaptation provides increased heat absorption for the developing young.
Fun Facts
The Malagasy Tree Boa is nocturnal.
scientific classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Reptilia
Order
Squamata
Family
Boidae
Genus
Sanzinia
Species
S. madagascariensis
did you know?
There are two know subspecies to the Malagasy Tree Boa.
One subspecies is found on the east side of Madagascar, the other is found on the western side of the island.
It is now listed as Least Concern (LC) as it is widespread, present in heavily degraded habitats and it is not subject to any known or suspected threats.
Where to find us
Find our Malagasy Tree Boa at the Safari Niagara reptile exhibit.
