When kept in captivity, they are fed mice, rats, rabbits, chickens, and chicks depending on the size and age of the individual. They are nocturnal, but they may bask during the day when night-time temperatures are too low. [37] Proper animal husbandry is the most significant factor in captive lifespan; this includes providing adequate space, correct temperatures and humidity, and suitable food items. It is commonly found in or along rivers and streams, as it is a very capable swimmer. ", Other common names include chij-chan (Mayan),[5] jiboia (Latin American), and macajuel (Trinidadian). Boa constrictors are ambush predators, so they often lie in wait for an appropriate prey to come along, then they attack. BOBACK, S. M. 2005. Boa imperator is a large, heavy-bodied, nonvenomous species of snake, of the boa genus, that is commonly kept in captivity. [9], Another well known population of Boa imperator is the population from Nicaragua. [12] They include: The boa constrictor is a large snake, although it is only modestly sized in comparison to other large snakes, such as the reticulated python, Burmese python, or the occasionallyy sympatric green anaconda, and can reach lengths from 3–13 ft (0.91–3.96 m) depending on the locality and the availability of suitable prey. [7] In some areas, they have an important role in regulating the opossum populations, preventing the potential transmission of leishmaniasis to humans. The usual size of mature female boas is between 7 and 10 ft (2.1 and 3.0 m) whereas males are 6 and 8 ft (1.8 and 2.4 m). The most common parasite is Ophionyssus natricis or the "reptile mite". - Increased max island points on PvE from 150 to 250 - Increased max island points on PvP from 250 to 320 - Magic Mythos is now active for the weekend: 2x bonus rates for Harvesting, Taming, XP and Gold! [32] This is the first time snakes were thought to contain male heterogamety, and since then has been found in ball pythons (Python regius) as well. [4] It is commonly called the northern boa, Colombian boa and common northern boa and is frequently and erroneously referred to as the red-tailed boa or Colombian red-tailed boa, especially in the pet trade. Some appear to be based more on location, rather than biological differences. [22], Depending on the subspecies, Boa constrictor can be found through South America north of 35°S (Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Brazil, Bolivia, Uruguay, and Argentina), and many other islands along the coasts of South America. Specimens from Central America are more irascible, hissing loudly and striking repeatedly when disturbed, while those from South America tame down more readily. Boa imperator has 50–95 dorsal scales, 223–252 ventral scales, 43–69 subcaudal scales, 19–25 supralabial scales and 1–3 anal scales. [26] This would lead to unconsciousness and death very quickly. Boa constrictors are very popular within the exotic pet trade and have been both captured in the wild and bred in captivity. [26] Their teeth also help force the animal down the throat while muscles then move it toward the stomach. [13], Boa imperator can be found in some regions of Mexico, Central America and northwestern Colombia, as well as several islands along the coasts of these areas. [34] After this period, ovulation may not occur immediately, but the female can hold the sperm inside her for up to one year. The coloring works as a very effective camouflage in the jungles and forests of its natural range. [17], The boa constrictor is a heavy-bodied snake, and large specimens can weigh up to 27 kg (60 lb). [29] Half of all females breed in a given year, and a larger percentage of males actively attempt to locate a mate. [24] Young boa constrictors eat small mice, birds, bats, lizards, and amphibians. Most populations, though, are not under threat of immediate extinction; thus, they are within Appendix II rather than Appendix I. There are several color and pattern morphs available in the pet trade, such as albino, hypomelanistic, motley and jungle individuals.[17]. This is only the third genetically confirmed case of consecutive virgin births of viable offspring from a single female within any vertebrate lineage. However, they have also been known to actively hunt, particularly in regions with a low concentration of suitable prey, and this behavior generally occurs at night.