The Boa Dumerils – Introduction and Management

Dumeril’s boa (Boa Dumerililisten)) is a species of non-venomous snake native to Madagascar and Reunion Island. Relatively small for a boa, with adults rarely exceeding 2m in length, they are a primarily terrestrial species.

As is common with boas, males tend to be slightly shorter and less built than females, and have slightly flatter tails. They are ovoviviparous, giving birth to live young, and a gravid female can give birth to litters of up to 25-30. The newborns are 30-40 cm long and fully self-sufficient from birth.

While getting a Dumerils boa into the pet trade used to be difficult due to its CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) protected species status, recent years of successful captive breeding have put this wonderful snake in the reach of most homeowners. They are listed on CITES Appendix 1, so even captive-bred specimens require paperwork and microchipping, but any reputable breeder or trader will be able to advise you.

The handling of the Dumerils boa is quite similar to that of the boa constrictors. A medium to large nursery 180 x 90 cm is suitable for one adult. While they are largely terrestrial, they will occasionally climb given the chance, so a sturdy branch is a nice addition. They are also quite solitary, so at least 2 hiding boxes are required, one at the warm end and one at the cooler end of the enclosure.

A temperature range of around 25 degrees C to 30 degrees C is required for the snake to thermoregulate properly. At night, it can be allowed to drop by 3 to 5 degrees.

Various types of heat sources are suitable, but a ceramic bulb is best. Proper protection of the bulb is essential to prevent possible burns, and any heat source used must be thermostatically controlled.

Dumerils boa humidity should be kept at around 60% and moist skin filled with sphagnum moss should be provided to help with shedding. Like all snakes, a clean water dish should also be provided at all times. The dish should be large and deep enough for the boa to soak in whenever it wants.

Most Dumerils specimens will readily take on thawed rodents with no problem. Adults should be offered a large rat once every 14 days. Newborns can be troublesome feeders and require some coaxing before taking thawed prey. Try offering freshly killed live jumping rats or live mice if they refuse to eat. Leaving thawed prey in the snake’s enclosure overnight also often works. Once your boa begins taking thawed prey, it will normally continue to eat it without difficulty.

While the Dumeril’s boa was once a rare and expensive snake, recent captive breeding success has brought this wonderful boa within the reach of most keepers. A truly beautiful animal and a joy to keep and handle, they are highly recommended to anyone who can meet their handling requirements. Once you have done more research on the species, and if you can commit to caring for a snake that can reach over 2m in length and live over 25 years, the Dumerils boa could be the snake for you.