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Very varied — rainforest, dry forest, savannah and semi-desert. habitat
Boa Constrictor
Reptile Fact Sheet

Boa Constrictor

LC

Boa constrictor

Very varied — rainforest, dry forest, savannah and semi-desert.

Fact Sheet

About this animal

Key facts about the boa constrictor.

Common Name
Boa Constrictor
Scientific Name
Boa constrictor
Classification
Reptilia • Squamata • Boidae
Distribution
Central and South America, plus some Caribbean islands.
Habitat
Very varied — rainforest, dry forest, savannah and semi-desert.
Range map · red pin marks a typical locationView larger map
Diet
Carnivore: birds, rodents, lizards, bats and other mammals.
Size
2–4 m (6.5–13 ft); females larger.
Lifespan
20–30 years.
Conservation Status
LC
Least Concern overall, though some subspecies are threatened.
Behaviour
Solitary and mostly nocturnal. Ambush hunter that waits, strikes, then constricts.
Adaptations
Powerful muscles for constriction; jaw bones stretch apart to swallow large prey whole.
Predators
Jaguars, crocodilians, birds of prey (mostly young snakes).
Interesting Facts
  • Gives birth to live young rather than laying eggs.
  • A single meal can keep an adult fed for weeks.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA) · Habitat: Amazon rainforest — Wikimedia Commons