Dumeril's Ground Boa (Acrantophis dumerili)

Dumeril's Ground Boa (Acrantophis dumerili)
Contributed by:Stuart Dodsworth of EAWT

This article is only meant as an introduction, and you should still read several other care sheets before acquiring your animal.

Distribution

Dumeril's Boas are nocturnal predators which are found in the South West of Madagascar.

Size

When they are born Dumeril's Boas are around 40 - 60cm (16 - 24 inches). Adult snakes average 5 feet in length, although 7 foot specimens do occasionally occur.

Diet

In the wild Dumeril's Boas will feed on rodents, birds, lizards and amphibians. In captivity appropriately sized rodents should be offered. The food should never exceed the width of the widest part of the snake, as this will increase the chance of regurgitation. Young snakes should be fed 2 appropriately sized fuzzies a week however due to their nocturnal habits it is often best to feed your snake at night and in a separate feeding box.

Requirements

Heat Source:This can be either reflector (spot) lights in green, blue or red. Ceramic or tubular heaters can also be used, although thermostatically controlled heat mats can also be used.

Ultra Violet Light Source:Although there is a lot of controversy regarding the use of UV supplementation with snakes, many herpetologists wouldn't be without one. It has therefore been included in this care sheet as a suggestion and the recommended type for snakes until further scientific research proves otherwise is a 2.0% UV light, which should be left on for 8 - 12 hours a day and replaced every 6 months unless otherwise stated by the manufacturer. If you decide to use a UV with your snake, care should be taken if your snake is albino as the light intensity could have detrimental effects on the eyes of your snake. Vitamin D3 supplements should also be kept to a minimum.

Thermostat:An essential part of every vivarium and is required to control the heat inside the vivarium and to prevent your pet from becoming too hot or too cold.

Housing:This should consist of a dark wooden vivarium with glass frontage and adequate ventilation. Hatchlings would require a small hatchling tub (pen pal, geoflat or even a ventilated sandwich box) which can be housed in a heated vivarium. A pair of adult snakes can be housed quite happily within a vivarium measuring 180cm long by 90cm high by 90cm wide (6ft x 3ft x 3ft) with lots of secure log hides.

Wire Mesh Guards:These should be fitted over all heat sources used in order to prevent any thermal burns from occurring.

Thermometers:One should be placed at either end of the vivarium. Never go by the temperature on the thermostat as this is often incorrect.

Hides:These should always be provided to prevent the animals from becoming stressed and exposed.

Water:These animals require a water container which will allow them to bathe without constriction. This water should be changed daily as this is also the water they drink.

Temperature

During the daytime temperatures should be maintained with a basking area of up to 30°C (87°F), dropping down to a cooler end of 25°C (78°F). At night the temperature should be dropped to between 23 - 25°C (75 - 78°F).

Humidity

Humidity levels should be maintained at around 60%. However as with most snakes it is worth having a humid hide filled with sphagnum moss for the snakes to retreat to. The humid box should be positioned half way between the cool end and the basking end.

Longevity

These snakes have been known to reach ages of around 20 years on average.

Substrate

This can be anything from newspaper, brown paper or even astro turf. Whatever you use remember that it must be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent contamination from disease. Ensure that when you feed your snake that no substrate can be ingested.

Salmonella

Many reptiles carry the naturally forming bacteria Salmonella. It must be stated that salmonella bacteria can only be contracted by ingestion (via the mouth). Good hygiene is therefore very important when keeping any animal.

NB: Ensure your snake comes with the required paperwork when you purchase it. These snakes are listed under Appendix I on the CITES lists. Contact DEFRA for further details of necessary paperwork.