| Range: |
Madagascar and the Mascarene Islands (off the eastern coast of Africa) |
| Habitat: |
Rain forests |
| Conservation Status: |
Threatened |
| Scientific Name: |
Boa dumerili |
Boas are considered primitive snakes because they have remnants of hind limbs and a pelvis. The hind limbs end externally as a pair of claws or “spurs” on either side of the cloaca (opening for the intestines and genitals). Spurs are larger in males and are used during courtship. Dumeril's boas are at risk in the wild due to continuing habitat destruction on the island of Madagascar.
Did You Know?
This species is most closely related to the boa constrictor of South America.
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