Madagascar Ground Boa

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Madagascar Ground Boa

Conservation status
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Boidae
Subfamily: Boinae
Genus: Acrantophis
Species: A. madagascariensis
Binomial name
Acrantophis madagascariensis
Duméril & Bibron, 1844

The Madagascar Ground Boa (Acrantophis madagascariensis) is the largest snake species occurring on the island of Madagascar, and can be found in the Madagascar dry deciduous forests. It is a member of the Boinae subfamily of the Boidae family.

[edit] Description

The Madagascar ground boa has diamond-like markings on its back, in subtle shades of brown and orange, serving as an excellent camouflage in its dark, leaf littered environment of the forest floor.

They grow to be very large snakes, with lengths that can vary from as much as 6 to 13 feet. Males are typically smaller than the females.

[edit] Conservation status

Due to its limited range and habitat destruction, it is listed by the IUCN as Vulnerable and is a CITES Appendix I which puts heavy restrictions on its international trade.

[edit] References