SCIENTIFIC NAME: Acrantophis dumerili

Native to the island of Madagascar, Dumeri’s boa belongs to the family of snakes Boidae, which contains the world's largest snake species, including pythons, boas and anacondas. Dumeril’s boas are found in the southern and southwestern forests of Madagascar.  This snake’s pattern helps it hide effectively on the forest floor.  On average, this boa reaches a length of 4-5 feet and usually weighs less than 20 pounds.  The Demuril’s boa is considered an ambush hunter as it may lay virtually motionless for long periods of time waiting for prey.  A hungry Dumeril's boa will conceal itself with only its head barely visible, and once the prey is within range, the boa strikes out in a single explosive motion.  It uses its teeth to grab the prey and then wrap it into the coils of its muscular body.  Once the animal yields, the Dumeril’s boa will swallow its prey whole.