Nicaraguan dwarf boa

The Nicaraguan Dwarf Boa is a dwarf locality of Boa Constrictor found in Nicaragua. They typically have a very dark colouration. They are short, stocky boas averaging at 4 foot in length.

Description

Adult size is usually very small with some females reaching only 5 foot. Males are generally shorter averaging at 3.5-4 foot in length.

It has a slightly prehensile tail. Like other Boa Constrictors it has no heat sensitive pits around the mouth.

The color is generally a dark brown ground color, becoming a almost black on the tail. Nicaraguan Boas have saddles dorsally of a generally lighter brown colour. Generally there is an average of 17 dorsal rings present, though some only have 14 or 15.

Habitat

Nicaraguan Dwarf Boas are found in Nicaragua and very southern parts of Honduras and very northern parts of Costa Rica. The prefer forested areas where temperatures and humidity are almost constant and there are a lot of shady retreats.

Diet

In the wild Nicaraguan Boas eat small rodents and lizards and also possibly birds. In captivity a diet of mice and rats should be provided.

Temperment

Nicaraguan Boas, like most Boa Constrictors are generally very calm snakes, however young neonates or pregnant females may hiss and strike. Many peopleWho|date=October 2008 say Nicaraguans are one of the less calm dwarf locality boas.Small individuals may climb into trees and shrubs to forage for small birds or to hide, but they become mostly terrestrial as they become older and heavier.

Care

Captive care of Nicaraguan Dwarf Boas is identical to that of common Boa Constrictors.

They do well in captivity, usually becoming quite tame. Captive longevity is though to be about 20 years, making them a long-term commitment as a pet. Proper animal husbandry is the most significant factor in captive lifespan. It is very hard to get true Nicaraguan Boas and most are cross bred with common boas or other Central American boas. True Nicaraguans are very hard to get hold of.

References