
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Acrantophis dumerili
A terrestrial boa endemic to the semi-arid forests of western and south-western Madagascar. Its grey-brown ground colour with darker patches mimics leaf litter, and although it grows to about 2 m it is calm and slow-moving.
Acrantophis dumerili is a boid endemic to the semi-arid forests of western and south-western Madagascar. Adults usually reach about 2 m, with a maximum recorded length of 259 cm. The grey-brown ground colour with darker patches is highly effective camouflage against the leaf litter of its habitat. Males have longer, thinner tails while females are larger overall. It is largely terrestrial, sheltering in leaf litter, loose soil and rocky ground, and will use burrows dug by other animals. It feeds on birds, lizards and small mammals, with records of juvenile lemurs and other snakes, hunting opportunistically by day or night. Sexual maturity comes at three to five years; mating runs from March to May and females give birth six to eight months later to litters of 6 to 28. It is listed on CITES Appendix I.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Dumeril's Boa lives 20-30 years.
The Dumeril's Boa grows to Usually about 200cm, maximum 259cm.
The ideal temperature for the Dumeril's Boa is 21〜31℃. Ideal humidity is 40〜60%.
Origin
Western to south-western Madagascar, in semi-arid forest with low rainfall, among leaf litter, loose soil and rocky ground
Lifespan
20-30 years
Sources: ReptiFiles: Dumeril's Boa Care / Reptiles Magazine: Dumeril's Boa Care Sheet / Wikipedia (English)
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Primary sources
Accepted name: Acrantophis dumerili Jan, 1860
Synonyms: Boa dumerili (Jan, 1860), Acrantophis madagascariensis dumerili
Authority databases: GBIF · Reptile Database
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Listed in Appendix I since February 4, 1977 (Species+). As an Appendix I species, it constitutes an internationally rare wild fauna and flora species in Japan, and a registration certificate based on the Species Conservation Law is required for transfer, delivery, or exhibition. This species is not included in the designated animals listed in the Ordinance for the Enforcement of the Law Concerning the Protection and Management of Animals.
Sources: CITES Appendices (Acrantophis dumerili, Appendix I, effective 4 February 1977) / IUCN Red List / Act on Conservation of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (registration of internationally endangered species)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Size
Usually about 200cm, maximum 259cm
Temperature
21〜31℃
Humidity
40〜60%
Thawed frozen rats and mice
Aim for 30-31 C in the basking area and 21-24 C at the cool end. Night-time drops to 21-24 C are fine and are actually better for long-term health. Hold humidity at 40-60 percent: below 40 percent brings shedding problems and above 60 percent raises the risk of respiratory disease.
Adults need an enclosure of about 120 x 60 x 60 cm. Being terrestrial they need floor space above all, but keep at least 60 cm of height for substrate depth and safe lamp distance. Front-opening is preferable, since reaching in from above reads as predatory. Use aspen or cypress mulch, never cedar or pine.
In the wild it constricts birds, lizards and small mammals. In captivity offer thawed frozen rats or mice sized to the snake. It grows large but must not be allowed to become obese, and should not be handled for 48 hours after a meal to avoid regurgitation.
Calm and slow-moving for its size. Keep it singly; there is no reason to house them together. Males use their anal spurs in courtship.
Listed on CITES Appendix I since 4 February 1977. In Japan it is a designated internationally endangered species, so transfer and display require a registration certificate under the Species Conservation Act. Animals without a certificate cannot legally be traded, so always inspect the document itself. The IUCN Red List assesses it as Least Concern.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Dumeril's Boa is 21〜31℃. Recommended humidity is 40〜60%. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Dumeril's Boa is 20-30 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Dumeril's Boa typically reaches Usually about 200cm, maximum 259cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Dumeril's Boa feeds on: Thawed frozen rats and mice. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Dumeril's Boa varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026