Yellow snake, Jamaican yellow boa
The Jamaican boa (Chilabothrus subflavus) is a non-venomous boa species. It is found only in Jamaica where locally it is known as Nanka from the Asante dialect for snake: Onanka.
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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",...
Ca
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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PrecocialPrecocial species are those in which the young are relatively mature and mobile from the moment of birth or hatching. Precocial species are normall...
Ov
OvoviviparousOvoviviparity, ovovivipary, ovivipary, or aplacental viviparity is a term used as a "bridging" form of reproduction between egg-laying oviparous an...
Am
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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Pursuit predatorPursuit predation is a form of predation in which predators actively give chase to their prey, either solitarily or as a group. Pursuit predators r...
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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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Non-venomousNo
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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starts withThe Jamaican boa is golden-green around the head and along the anterior section of the body. It has black zigzag crossbars, becoming black toward the posterior end of its body.
This species occurs is native to Jamaica where it occurs in the Cockpit Country, Blue Mountains, Yallah Mountains, Hellshire Hills, and Portland Bight. These snakes inhabit forests, plantations, and rural gardens.
Jamaican boas are very elusive and hard to observe. They are live in trees and are active during the nighttime hours. They may also be crepuscular depending on environmental conditions, prey availability, and seasonal activities. During the day they shelter in caves, epiphytes, trees, rock crevices, or termite nests. Jamaican boas may bask on rocks after heavy rains and rest on roads and trails during the evening. These snakes are constrictors meaning they their prey. They use both active and ambush foraging strategies, which vary depending on the habitat structure, available food resources, and thier life stage. For instance, Jamaican boas may hang from branches and vines in order to prey on emerging bats in the evening.
Jamaican boas are carnivores. Birds, particularly Black-billed parrots and Yellow-billed parrots, are their significant prey items. Invasive Cane toads are also preyed upon, although their toxins can be fatal to the Jamaican boa. They will also hunt for rats and chickens when enter human habitation.
Jamaican boas breed between February and April. They are ovoviviparous and give birth up to 44 live young which don’t require parental care.
The Jamaican boa's natural population has greatly and constantly declined since the late 19th century, mainly because of predation by introduced species (such as mongooses), human persecution, and habitat destruction. Presently their natural habitat is being destroyed and this forces Jamaican boas to move into inhabited areas, where they are captured and killed.
The IUCN Red List and other sources don’t provide the number of the Jamaican boa total population size. Currently, this species is classified as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are decreasing.
