Many snakes of five continents are members of the large family of reptiles called Boas. Most frequently however, when people use the term Boa they are referring to medium-large snakes of central and south America. In fact the name 'Boa Constrictor' is applied correctly only to the New World genus Boa. Boa constrictors are one of the most common and wide-ranging of reptile species. They are found from Northern Mexico near the U.S. border southward to Argentina. And exploit habitats as varied as lowland desert and semi-desert scrubland to tropical rainforest and coastal mountain cloud-forest. Boas have also colonized remnant continental and volcanic uplift islands as well as coral Cays or low islands in the Caribbean. Understanding the origins of the various boa groups as well as their morphological and behavioral differences is a very large part of the fun of keeping Boas.

Several subspecies of boas and many locality populations are recognized. Experienced observers of locality-type Boas report not only the unique colors and patterns displayed by the various groups but also more subtle differences as expressed in temperament, and other important behaviors such as feeding and food preference, reproductive cycles and courtship, preferred temperature cline and more. It is plain that the Boas as a group are closely related. It is also plainly true that Boas from different habitats have evolved unique sets of tools for survival and the overt physical differences only hint at how truly unique the different populations of Boas actually are. Observing and understanding these differences will assist you in efforts to keep and breed Boas. It is also our fervent hope that with an improved understanding of the fascinating differences among the Boas you will come to agree with us that preserving these groups in captivity and in nature are important goals. Always try to get captive- born stock and please think twice before you yield to the temptation to intergrade or crossbreed known locality Boas in your care.

Baby boas are among the most desirable of reptile pets and boas can be one of the easiest reptiles to keep. However, the size potential of adult boas should be considered before acquiring one. Size among boas is a factor of genetics and food availability. Some dwarfi-sh forms of boa grow to only about 1.5 meters in length but most all the boas will grow to be 2.2 meters or longer if well fed in captivity. Well cared-for boas regularly live for more than a dozen years, 20 year old boas are not uncommon. Boas can be bred in captivity with the proper attention to temperature gradients and feeding. The temperament of the boas ranges from quite docile to downright ornery. In reality Boas are neither tame nor mean, rather they simply display the inherited traits given them in nature in response to the novel situations they are subjected to in captivity. Genetics and (even more importantly) how well the keeper understands the animal's needs both play a role in how 'tame' your boa will be.

Remember that keeping Boas and other pets is a privilege. Be responsible and give your captives the very best in caging, food and care.

—Courtesy of Rio Bravo Reptiles.

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