DUMERIL'S BOA by Stuart Dodsworth

Acrantophis dumerili

Distribution
Dumeril's Boas are nocturnal predators, which are found in the South West of Madagascar. Prior to getting this species of snake thorough research should be carried out in order to ensure that the vivarium is setup correctly and that you are ready for this species of snake.

Size
When they are born Dumeril's Boas are around 40 - 60cm (16 - 24 inches). Adult snakes average 150cm (5 feet in length), although 210cm (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. Never hand feed your snake, use a pair of feeding tongs. Adults should be fed once every 10 days on appropriately sized rodents.

Requirements
· Heat Source:- This should ideally be ceramic heaters. These should be thermostatically controlled and guarded in order to prevent thermal burns from occurring. Heat mats have been linked with ventral scale damage and should be avoided (except in hatchling housing!). Some captive specimens do not feed when kept under bright lights.
· Ultra Violet Light Source:- Although controversial, the use of UV supplementation with snakes is sometimes recommended. Personally I do not reccoemnd them as the light sometimes stops Dumeril's Boas from feeding. If you do choose to use one then a 2.0 is the best choice and it should not be left on for more than 10-12 hours per day. 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. Many snakes do not feed under lights, so if your snake ceases feeding then it should be taken out and ceased to be used.
· 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. Hollow logs and boxes with holes just big enough for the snake to fit through are ideal for this species.

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).

Water & 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. A large water bowl should be provided for this species in order to allow it to soak as well as drink, this should be changed daily.

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

Substrate
The ideal substrate for this species is Orchid bark as it holds the humidity. 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 is ingested.

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.

Distribution map taken from www.reptil-zoo.dk/UDB_Acrantophis_dumerili_UK.html
Photo taken from http://gutt.sg.free.fr/galerie-serpents-boides.htm

Recommended Reading/Useful contacts
This is only a brief care guide and further reading/research is required prior to keeping any animal.
Stuart Dodsworth - stuartandlynette@dodsworth2005.wanadoo.co.uk
The International Herpetological Society - www.international-herp-society.co.uk
The British Herpetological Society - www.thebhs.org
http://www.dumerils.com/new_dumerils_page.html
DEFRA Licensing Department - (0117) 3728671
Taxonomy information - http://srs.embl-heidelberg.de:8000/srs5bin/cgi-bin/wgetz?-e+[REPTILIA-Species:'Acrantophis_SP_dumerili']
www.coasttocoast.co.uk