Dumeril's ground boa

Latin Name
Acrantophis dumerili

Class
Reptiles

Order
Serpentes

Description

Averaging 6–8 feet in length, Dumeril's ground boas feature a rich reddish-brown coloration mixed with gray. Their dorsal patterns are evenly shaped and outlined with black or brown, occasionally creating a zig-zag effect.


 
Range

Madagascar and the Mascarene Islands.


Status

The species is vulnerable due to habitat loss.


Habitat

Sparse, open woodland.


Niche

Mainly terrestrial; these snakes feed mainly on mammals and birds.


Life History

These snakes find shelter in mammal burrows, fallen logs, piles of debris and other protected sites. They hibernate during the dry, cool months, normally May–July. The snakes mate shortly after emerging from hibernation. After a 6–8 month gestation period, small litters of 2–21 young are born live. At birth the young are 19–24 inches long.


Special Adaptations

Cryptic coloration helps the snake remain inconspicuous.


Bonus Content

Keeper Michal Kisielinksi steadies a Dumeril’s ground boa for a closer look at Regenstein Small Mammal–Reptile House.

Keeper Close-Ups
To wrap up National Zookeeper Week, we wanted to share some favorite photos we’ve taken of Lincoln Park Zoo’s wonderful keepers over the years.

 

ARKive Media

ARKive video - Dumeril's boa - overviewARKive image - Close up of the head of a Dumeril's boaARKive video - Dumeril’s boa in tree

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Lincoln Park Zoo Exhibit

Regenstein Small Mammal-Reptile House