Boa constrictor occidentalis

(Philippi, 1873)

Vernacular names
English : Argentine boa constrictor
French : Boa constricteur d’Argentine

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Family : Boidae
Notes : 3 other subspecies known.

Identification
This subspecies can reach a body length up to 3.5 meters. It’s much darker than other subspecies with a ground color from dark brown to black. Rows of white to chestnut-red spots on flanks and back, forming circles. Very variable.

Range and habitat
South America, from Colombia to Argentina and small islands in the Gulf of Panama. This subspecies occurs in Paraguay, Bolivia and north Argentina. Lives in tropical and subtropical rainforests, mostly in lowlands.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Appendix I
Status : The species has a huge range and remains locally common. This subspecies is highly endangered as its habitat has been almost entirely cleared.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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