Jamaican Boa
TYPE: Reptile
STATUS:
Vulnerable
QUICK STATS
Body size
1.5–2.5 meters (5–8 feet)
native habitat
Forest and woodland habitats of Jamaica
life expectancy
Up to 30 years in human care
diet
Rodents, bats, birds
Reproduction
Up to 44 eggs per clutch in a whole nest (multiple mothers)
predators
Cats, pigs, dogs and mongoose
natural defenses
Needle-like teeth and strong constriction
About the Species
JAMAICA’S LARGEST TERRESTRIAL PREDATOR
This arboreal reptile is likely to be found in the trees but is well hidden due to its color variation across their scales.
As an ambush predator, these boas will remain motionless until their prey is within reach. They’ll strike swiftly with their fang-like teeth and coil prey with its muscular body.
Jamaican boas hunt primarily at night.
During the day, they may be found hiding among dense foliage, trees, or rocky burrows. Sometimes they will be seen in the early morning basking on rocks to raise their body temperature.
Epicrates subflavus
These snakes are endemic to Jamaica but that includes Goat Island on the southwest coast of the mainland.
WORD FROM
THE EXPERTS
