Factfile
Where they live
Madagascar and Reunion Island
Habitat
Semi-arid and sparse open woodland
Size
2-2.5m long
Weight
2-3kg
Lifespan
Up to 30 years
Threats
Habitat deforestation, human persecution
Did you know...
- They are sexually dimorphic (males and females look different), with females generally being bigger than males
- They are cathemeral; this means they may be active at any time of the day or night but younger snakes are mainly nocturnal
More about Dumeril's ground boas...
The Dumeril’s ground boa is a large, heavy bodied, ground snake that has mottled brown, tan and black bodies to help them camouflage to with fallen leaves on the ground. Like most snakes, they have a forked tongue to detect scents and locate prey. They typically feed on small mammals, birds, or lizards, and play an important role in the ecosystem by controlling the populations of these species.
Dumeril’s ground boas are solitary for most of the year and only come together to find mates in the spring time. They are ovoviviparous, which means that the eggs develop inside the female’s body and then the female gives birth to live young. Between 6-13 young are born in a litter.
They are sometimes killed by local people who believe that they are bad luck or think that they are preying on livestock (such as chickens). They also used to be hunted to be used in the leather trade or pet trade. It is now illegal to trade them internationally, which has helped their wild population numbers.
