Duméril’s ground boa
Acrantophis dumerili
This snake’s skin is a pattern of brown, tan and black which provides excellent camouflage when lying in the leaf litter of the forest. As an ambush hunter it uses this camouflage to wait for small animals to come close and then bursts out with amazing speed, seizes and then constricts the prey. This snake can measure up to 1.8 metres.
Unlike other snakes and reptiles that lay eggs, boas hold their eggs inside the body and the babies are born live.
IUCN Status
The IUCN status of the Duméril’s ground boa is least concern.
For more info on classifications visit www.iucnredlist.org (link opens in new window).
Fun fact
These snakes are active during day and night
Animal class
Reptile
Conservation status
Not yet threatened with extinction, however it is hunted for food and the ped trade and is at risk of deforestation.
Habitat
Forest – found in forests of south western Madagascar
Population
Stable
Diet
Carnivore – eats small mammals, birds and lizards