Dumeril's+Ground+Boa

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//Acrantophis dumerili// Order: Squamata =**__Husbandry Information__**=

Diet Requirements

 * In the wild, this snake eats small mammals killed by constriction at ground level.
 * In captivity, they are fed rats.

Notes on Enrichment & Training


=__Programmatic Information__=

Potential Messaging

 * In general, animals seen at the zoo do not make good pets. Most have specialized dietary, veterinary, housing, and social needs that are difficult or impossible for even dedicated pet owners to meet. Always ensure that your future pet has not been taken from the wild. Captured animals are typically mistreated by profit-motivated traffickers and dealers, resulting in many animal deaths; well-meaning animal lovers may feel like they are rescuing animals by purchasing them but are really perpetuating the cruelty. In addition, many exotic pets are released by their owners when they become too dangerous or demanding, often with devastating effects on local ecosystems. Animals that should never be kept as pets include all bats, primates, and exotic carnivores. Birds, fish, and reptiles have specialized needs, are frequently wild-caught, and damage the local environment if released; guests should be advised to educate themselves and proceed with caution. Domestic dogs and cats are almost always the best option! Many deserving animals are available for adoption at animal shelters. [] []
 * One of the best ways for people to help the rainforest is to reduce their use of tropical woods. Many rainforest trees are felled each year for lumber, furniture, and other products that end up in countries all over the world. Much of tropical wood imported into the United States comes from South America, particularly the Amazon Rainforest. Flooring, musical instruments, picture frames and other products made of rosewood should be particularly avoided to slow deforestation on Madagascar and to avoid the extinction of endangered or vulnerable rosewood tree species from forests all around the equator. Ask guests to consider used or vintage furniture or new furniture made of wood that has been reclaimed from old structures. There are many alternatives to conventional lumber including flooring and other products made from fast-growing bamboo, and decking made of recycled plastic formed to look like wooden boards. [] [][]

=__Acquisition Information__=

=__Comments from the Rating System__=
 * Houston Zoo: Ours was way too much of a scaredy-cat and tended to bite when startled

=__Natural History Information__=

Range and Habitat
Dumeril's ground boas are found in the dry forests in southwest Madagascar. It has also be found living in very degraded habitats, often close to villages.

Physical Description
This snake has gray and brown bands with black markings, which is effective camouflage for the dry forest floor. They have vertical pupils. Adults reach 4 to 6 feet in length.

Life Cycle
Boas are ovoviviparous, which means the young develop within eggs that remain inside the mother until they hatch or are about to hatch. This strategy is similar to viviparity in that the young are provided with a sheltered environment. However, the young are nourished by the egg yolk rather than the mother's body. Mating season is November to March. Females bear live young May through October. Dumeril's ground boas live approximately 20 to 30 years.

Behavior
Dumeril's ground boas are nocturnal predators. They will lay virtually motionless for long periods of time, waiting for an unwary prey animal to pass. When the prey is in range, the boa strikes out, grabs the prey, and kills it via constriction.

Threats and Conservation Status
Dumeril's boas are endangered and protected in Madagascar. There are no estimates of numbers left in the wild. They are victims of habitat destruction - their forest habitat has often been converted for agriculture or grazing. Less than 10% of Madagascar's forests remain undisturbed. In addition, Dumeril's boas are often killed out of fear or superstition by East Africans settling in Madagascar. The skins are sold in Madagascar, and abroad.

=__Did you know…__=
 * The common name for Dumeril's boa in Malagasy, the native language of Madagascar, is "do," pronounced like "dough."
 * Dumeril's boas possess heat-sensing labial pits (on the lips) to help them find their prey.
 * The species was named after the 19th century French naturalist A.M.C. Dumeril.

=__Photographs__=

=__Contributors and Citations__=
 * The Philadelphia Zoo
 * Houston Zoo, Natural Encounters