Wildlifeof Madagascar
Madagascar Ground Boa
Boas
Photo: TimVickers · Public domain
Acrantophis madagascariensis
Basic stats
Diet
Small mammals and birds, including rodents, bats, tenrecs, lemurs and ducks
Habitat
Sparse open woodland, such as dry deciduous forest; shelters in burrows, fallen trees and debris
Range
Central, northern and western Madagascar
Litter size
2–4 live young
Gestation period
4–6 months
Size
Adult females up to about 3m; males smaller
Weight
Maximum about 13kg (ReptTraits)
The Madagascar ground boa is the largest snake on Madagascar. The colour is a pale reddish-brown mixed with grey, overlaid with a pattern of dorsal rhombs outlined in black or brown, sometimes giving a zigzag impression. The flanks have black oval marks with reddish blotches, often bordered or centred with white. It kills by constriction (Wikipedia, general species account).
It is nocturnal and terrestrial, and takes small mammals and birds. It shelters in mammal burrows, fallen trees and debris piles and brumates in the cool dry months, usually May to July. Mating follows emergence, and females give birth to two to four large live young after four to six months. Newborns are 19–24in long and can feed on small rodents and birds immediately (Wikipedia; ReptTraits, Oskyrko et al. 2024).
It is locally threatened by deforestation and by collection for the pet trade.
Quick answers
- What does the Madagascar Ground Boa eat?
- Small mammals and birds, including rodents, bats, tenrecs, lemurs and ducks
- What habitat does the Madagascar Ground Boa live in?
- Sparse open woodland, such as dry deciduous forest; shelters in burrows, fallen trees and debris
- Where is the Madagascar Ground Boa found?
- Central, northern and western Madagascar
- What is the litter size of the Madagascar Ground Boa?
- 2–4 live young
- How long is the gestation period of the Madagascar Ground Boa?
- 4–6 months
- How big is the Madagascar Ground Boa?
- Adult females up to about 3m; males smaller
- How much does the Madagascar Ground Boa weigh?
- Maximum about 13kg (ReptTraits)