Description:
Scientific name: Epicrates striatus/ Chilabothrus striatus
Life span: Unknown
A new species of boa has been hiding out in the tropical dry forests of the Caribbean island of Hispaniola for more than a century without being discovered by biologists. The Hispaniolan Boa is a small snake with wide eyes, a zig-zagging scale pattern, and a square snout.
Native Region/Habitat
In a rural area of the Dominican Republic’s southwest, close to the Haitian border, Landestoy first discovered the Hispaniolan Boa.
Behavior:
This is mostly an arboreal, nocturnal species. During the night, smaller boas have been seen scurrying through the underbrush in an apparent attempt to find sleeping Anolis. Nighttime sightings of large boas lazily coiling on tree branches have been reported. Diurnal activities include sleeping on huge branches that are five to twenty meters above the ground, in the shade. Moreover, they may grow in bird nests, hollow trees, and limestone fissures.
Care As a pet/In captivity:
These boas will thrive in captivity if given lots of room, places to hide, and branches to climb and rest on. It is advised to use a separate soaking container in addition to a water bowl. Only ectothermic prey, such as anoles, will be taken by offspring. Almost always, adult boas that become resistant feeders may be coaxed to take chicks or suitable-sized poultry.
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