Emerald tree Boa (Corallus caninus)
Zoo collection includes: One
Found in the wild: South American Amazon basin, from Peru and Bolivia eastward through Brazil and the Guianas. Tropical rainforest; live in tree tops.
See Them at the Central Park Zoo: Upstairs in in close-up gallery exhibits of the Tropical Rain Forest
Description: Emerald tree boas are called "emerald" because of the exquisite green coloration on their dorsal surfaces. Many populations have striking white markings occurring along the dorsal midline, although some individuals lack them. Other individuals have black coloration on the dorsum. Juveniles range from a brown to red color.
What do they eat: Birds, lizards, and small mammals such as mice, opossums, and possibly bats.
Life span: Recorded only in captivity: estimated 15 to 25 years.
Threats: The only known predators of this snake is the Guianan crested eagles.
Fun Facts: Although they are arboreal, they do occasionally descend to the ground to bask in the sun. The young are a reddish-brown color. By 4 months, they begin to develop their adult, green coloration.
Dumeril’s Ground Boa (Acrantophis dumerili)
Zoo collection includes: Several
Found in the wild: Southern Madagascar.
See Them at the Central Park Zoo: At CPZ, see the exhibit on the lower level of the Tropic building, just past the fruit bats.
Description: Grayish brown and cocoa pattern. May grow up to 6-8 feet long.
What do they eat: Small mammals, birds, and amphibians.
Life span: 15-20 years.
Threats: Threats facing this species include the widespread habitat destruction that has occurred on Madagascar for agriculture or livestock grazing. In some areas, the snakes are collected for food and the skins are used for leather. This species is highly desirable in the pet trade and so international trade in wild specimens in banned.
Fun Facts: They kill their prey by constriction. Constriction entails the tightening of the snake's muscles to stop circulation or to cause suffocation in the prey. The patchy pattern of its skin offers camouflage against the leaf-strewn forest floor.