Emerald boa, Green tree boa
The Emerald tree boa (Corallus caninus) is a boa species found in the rainforests of South America. Like all other boas, it is nonvenomous and kill their prey by constriction.
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NocturnalNocturnality is an animal behavior characterized by being active during the night and sleeping during the day. The common adjective is "nocturnal",...
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CarnivoreA carnivore meaning 'meat eater' is an organism that derives its energy and nutrient requirements from a diet consisting mainly or exclusively of a...
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ArborealArboreal locomotion is the locomotion of animals in trees. In habitats in which trees are present, animals have evolved to move in them. Some anima...
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PrecocialPrecocial species are those in which the young are relatively mature and mobile from the moment of birth or hatching. Precocial species are normall...
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TerrestrialTerrestrial animals are animals that live predominantly or entirely on land (e.g., cats, ants, snails), as compared with aquatic animals, which liv...
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OvoviviparousOvoviviparity, ovovivipary, ovivipary, or aplacental viviparity is a term used as a "bridging" form of reproduction between egg-laying oviparous an...
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Ambush predatorAmbush predators are carnivorous animals that capture or trap prey by stealth, luring, or by (typically instinctive) strategies utilizing an elemen...
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Non-venomousSo
SolitaryNo
Not a migrantAnimals that do not make seasonal movements and stay in their native home ranges all year round are called not migrants or residents.
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Green AnimalsEmerald tree boas have highly developed front teeth that are likely proportionately larger than those of any other non-venomous snake. Their color pattern typically consists of an emerald green ground color with a white irregular interrupted zigzag stripe or so-called 'lightning bolts' down the back and a yellow belly. The bright coloration and markings are very distinctive among South American snakes. Juveniles vary in color between various shades of light and dark orange or brick-red before ontogenetic coloration sets in and the animals turn emerald green (after 9-12 months of age).
Emerald tree boas live in lowland tropical rainforests of the Amazon River basin within the so-called Guiana Shield. Their habitat is amongst trees but they sometimes go down to the ground to lie in the sun.
Emerald tree boas live a solitary life except for mating purposes. They are nocturnal, hunting at night. During the day they lie coiled up over branches, their head in the middle on top of the coils. They catch most of their prey while they hang from a branch to snatch them off the ground.
Emerald tree boas are carnivores that eat birds and small mammals, including rats, bats, squirrels, lizards, and even monkeys. The young will also eat small reptiles and amphibians.
The breeding season of this species lasts from April to July, mating usually beginning once females reach 4 to 5 years old and males 3 to 4 years old. The boas breed every second year. Females produce up to 20 babies following a 6-7-month gestation period. Their eggs hatch internally, with the young being born alive. Baby snakes are brick-red, bright red, orange, or yellow and become green after a year. They can climb and look after themselves from birth, not needing any care from their parents.
The major threat to this species is the collection for the pet trade. Emerald tree boas are increasingly sought by humans in recent years, as their beauty is pleasing. Loss of the boa's habitat is a concern, though most of their habitat is under little or no pressure.
According to IUCN Red List, Emerald tree boa is regularly encountered in Venezuela, although in Suriname and Brazilian Guiana this species is rather scarce in nature or at least difficult to locate. However, the total populations size of this species is unknown. Currently, the Emerald tree boa is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List.
Due to their diet habits, Emerald tree boas help control populations of small mammals, especially rodents.
