Malagasy tree boa

Appearance

Adults average 4–5 feet in length, although 6–7 foot specimens are not uncommon. Thermoreceptive pits are located between the labial scales. Females are larger than males.

Naming

There are two known subspecies:
⤷  ''S. m. madagascariensis''
⤷  ''S. m. volontany'' Vences & Glaw, 2004

''Sanzinia madagascariensis madagascariensis'' is greenish in colour and is found on the east side of Madagascar, while ''S. madagascariensis volontany'' is brownish in colour and is found on the western side of the island. The separation of these subspecies has been supported on the basis of genetic data, and they may represent distinct species.

Status

This species was classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in 2006 with the following criteria: A1cd . This means that a population reduction of at least 20% has been observed, estimated, inferred or suspected over the last 10 years or three generations, whichever is the longer, based on a decline in area of occupancy, extent of occurrence and/or quality of habitat, and based on actual or potential levels of exploitation.
It is now listed as Least Concern as it is widespread, present in heavily degraded habitats and it is not subject to any known or suspected threats.

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.

Habitat

Favors trees and shrubs near streams, rivers, ponds and swamps.

Reproduction

Ovoviviparous, females give birth to up to 12 young at a time, each about 15 inches in length.

When females become gravid, their skin color darkens. This adaptation provides increased heat absorption for the developing young. After giving birth, the color returns normal as soon as it next sheds its skin. Neonates are a bright red that may warn predators to "stay away", while simultaneously providing camouflage among brightly colored treetop flowers.

Food

Arboreal and generally nocturnal, ''S. madagascariensis'' feeds on mammals and birds. Its thermoreceptive pits help it to locate its prey. It will also leave the trees to actively hunt for small mammals on the ground.