Care Sheet Dumerils Boa

Scientific Name
Acrantophis dumerili
Cites
CITES Appendix I, which means that it is threatened with extinction and CITES prohibits
international trade except when the purpose of the import is not commercial, for example for
scientific research. Requires the appropriate paperwork and micro chipping.
Range
South West of Madagascar and Reunion Island.
The arid desert part of Madagascar called the Spiny Desert into the more temperate woodlands.
Size
The average length of 4-5 feet (1.21-1.5 m) and usually weigh less than 20 pounds (9 kg). The
maximum recorded length is 7 feet (2.1 m). Females are larger than males.
Habitat
The Dumerils ground Boa is a terrestrial snake that comes from the dry forests in the South West of
Madagascar. It is a moderate sized Boa that reaches lengths of between 4 and 7 feet.
Housing
Dumerils Boas require a large enclosure of at least 60 X 36 X 24. A suitably sized hide box and
a large water bowl should be provided for drinking and bathing. Also a large hide with some damp
moss in it should be added as this will aid shedding.
Substrate
Aspen, Beech chippings, Forest or Orchid bark.
Temperature/Humidity
Ambient daytime temperature 78 degrees F with a Hot spot of 90 degrees. Night time temperatures
should range between 74 and 80 degrees F. Humidity should be kept at around 60%
Feeding
Mice, Rats and Chicks of appropriate size.

Dumerils being an ambush snake have a slow metabolism. Feeding should be about once per week
for the first 18-24 months and the size of the feed should increase in size as the snake grows,
starting off with small pinkie mice. The food should not be wider than the widest part of the snake.
Adults should be fed once every 10-14 days.
Dumerils when young can be difficult feeders this is usually due to there instinct to ambush there
prey. They will burrow with there head just above the substrate and wait for there prey to come past.
Dont be surprised if you Dumerils takes several hours to feed as they will probably move around
the pray in hunt mode to sneak up on its prey .You can try moving them into a RUB box with a
prey item for feeding. Once they are feeding well in the RUB you can try to feed them in the
vivarium.
Water should be available in both the warmer and cooler parts of the cage.
Comments
Dumerils typically have a docile temperament and make excellent pets.
They become excellent pets with mellow temperaments with regular handling. Baby Dumerils can
be nervous but are more likely to hide than strike when stressed. They calm down quickly with
consistent interaction.

John Gamesby