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Both
the imperator
and constrictor
subspecies are found
in Colombia. The constrictor
form is restricted to
areas to the east and
somewhat south of the
more populated parts
of Colombia where practically
all Boa from that country
originate. Very many
thousands of common
boas or Colombian redtail
boas from the western
2/3 or so of the country
have been exported to
the USA over the last
several decades. This
pattern of exportation
continues today. As
a result whenever people
speak of Colombian boas
they are almost always
referring to Colombian
imperator. These nice
boas frequently display
pretty red tails, at
least when small, but
they are not true redtail
boas. The term redtail
boa is only properly
applied to the constrictor
subspecies. Rio Bravo
Reptiles has not been
fortunate enough to
acquire constrictor
of Colombian origin
with verifiable locality
data so we work only
with the common Colombian
imperator.
Common Colombian boas
adapt well to captivity,
are strong feeders on
domestic rodents and
have a reputation for
being docile. Almost
certainly these traits
have been enhanced in
the general hobby population
through selective breeding
over several generations
in captivity. After
the Boas from much of
northern Central America
and most of Mexico,
Colombian boas are the
easiest of the Boas
to breed in captivity.
Imperator from
Colombia mature in 3
to 4 years at a length
of around 1.5 meters
(4.8’). Well cared
for Colombian boas will
live for many years.
One problem frequently
seen with these boas
is obesity resulting
from overfeeding. Colombians
are commonly seen 2-3
meters long, one specimen
of nearly 4 meters is
reported. These boas
have large litters of
robust young. Colombian imperator we
have seen of known origin
most commonly display
20 or 21 dorsal saddles
snout to vent (S-V).
–
A. Rentfro, RioBravoReptiles.com
All
International Rights
Reserved, International
Copyright © 2004
All
Thumbnails are clickable.
 Adult
Female Colombian Boa
(
Boa constrictor imperator )
This big beautiful girl
was imported as a baby
and is now 1.9 meters
long at age 7 years.
She has given us 3 large
healthy litters of young.
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