Relatively common in some areas. This species is classified as vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List. Also listed as 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. Threatened by deforestation and human persecution. In some areas it is feared and often killed on site, while in others it is respected and left alone.
Dumeril’s boas are relatively common in the drier portions of the
southwestern part of Madagascar. They are found in a variety of
places, including hollow tree stumps, under dead leaves under
trees, inside holes in the ground, and even in caves. Their cryptic
coloration enables them to go almost completely unseen by
predators and humans. The region that the Dumeril’s boa lives is
not what most people think of when they hear about Madagascar.
This is a much drier area than the wetter, forested areas of the
northeast side.
The Dumeril’s boa is one of three species of boa
in Madagascar. The other is a larger ground boa, Acrantophis
madagascarensis and the Madagascar tree boa, Sanzinia
madagascarensis. The Madagascar ground boa is found on the
opposite side of the island from the Dumeril’s boa.
Dumeril’s boas are relatively small, with most adults 4 - 5
feet, with some occasionally getting 6 feet long. They are heavy
bodied snakes that lie in wait and ambush their prey, which
consists of small rodents and birds. They are very docile snakes
that rarely bite.
