Fauna
Reptile

Dumeril's Boa

Acrantophis dumerili

Also known as Dumeril's Ground Boa, Southern Madagascar Ground Boa

Dumeril's boas spend daytime hours coiled motionless beneath dry forest leaf litter, relying on intricate geometric camouflage to ambush passing rodents and ground birds. Females give birth to live young after an eight-month gestation, producing up to two dozen well-developed neonates equipped to hunt immediately. While remarkably resilient in arid climates, populations face persistent localized pressure from agricultural clearing and charcoal production across southwestern Madagascar.

ConstrictorNocturnalCamouflaged
Dumeril's Boa reference1 / 7
(c) avocat, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by avocat · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyTenrecs, Small rodents, Ground-nesting birds
Predators
  • Fossa
  • Birds of prey
  • Feral dogs
ThreatsHabitat loss from charcoal production, agricultural clearing, human persecution
HabitatsDry deciduous forests, spiny thickets, semi-arid scrub
Life span20–30 years
Classification
  1. FamilyBoidae
  2. GenusAcrantophis
  3. SpeciesAcrantophis dumerili
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Non-venomous but delivers a painful defensive bite; keep a safe distance and do not attempt handling.
Why it is dangerous
Possesses powerful jaws lined with numerous sharp, recurved teeth that cause substantial lacerations and potential bacterial infection if provoked.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognized by a heavy body and distinctive earthy rosettes of tan, copper, and dark brown mimicking dead leaves.
What to do
Never reach toward or attempt to corner a wild boa, as threatened snakes will hiss loudly and strike defensively.
What to notice
Identified by robust terrestrial girth, slow movements, and fine blotched camouflage in southwestern Malagasy scrub.
Support conservation
Leave resting snakes undisturbed and refrain from moving rocks or fallen wood that provide critical microclimate shelter.
Responsible observation
  • Observation Distance: Maintain at least two meters of space to watch undisturbed natural behavior.
  • Footing Awareness: Watch each step carefully among dry leaves where its pattern makes it nearly invisible.
Related species
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?

Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.

Checking your Fauna account…