Range

The boa constrictor is found throughout South and Central America. They can found throughout Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia and Ecuador. They also range through Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Belize, Suriname, French Guiana, Brazil, Bolivia, Uruguay and Argentina. There are also some populations on the islands off the coast off these countries.

Habitat

While they can be found in a range of habitats such as semi-deserts, open savanna and cultivated fields they thrive in tropical rainforests. These areas provide cover and the correct environmental conditions. They are competent swimmers and can regularly be found near bodies of water.

Reproduction

The boa constrictor will breed during the dry season which is normally April to August. The male will wrestle for the right to mate the females. They are attracted by the scent the female emits from her cloaca. The female will breed once every 2 years.

After mating the female can store the sperm for up to a year. When she ovulates the stored sperm will fertilise the egg. During this period the middle of the body swell to a similar size as if she has eaten a large meal.

After ovulation a shed will occur that is longer than this. The gestation period of 100-120 days is then counted after this. The female gives birth to 10 to 64 eggs with an average of 25. These young are independent within a few minutes.

Behavior

The boa constrictor is a solitary species. They emerge mostly at nights but sometimes will bask in the sun throughout the day when it is colder.

The boa constrictor goes through a shedding period occasionally. During this time oil under the skin lubricates it to move it off. This also builds up under the eye. This blocks their vision and leads to them becoming inactive for a couple of days. During this period they are also more defensive.

When young they are mostly found in the trees but they move back to the ground as they become older and heavier.

When eating boa constrictors do not suffocate their prey. Instead they squeeze in an attempt to stop blood flow to the brain which sends the victim in to circulatory arrest.

Quick facts

The boa constrictor is regularly kept as a pet