Appearance
This species is included in the Boidae family of snakes, subfamily Sanziniinae. No subspecies are currently recognized by ITIS.Adult females can be up to 10 feet , males are typically smaller, the average size of the population is 8 feet in length. This is the largest snake species found on the island of Madagascar. ''Acrantophis madagascariensis'', like others in the family, dispatch their prey by constriction.
The color pattern consists of a pale reddish-brown ground color mixed with gray, overlaid with a pattern dorsal rhombs outlined with black or brown. Sometimes this creates a vague zigzag impression. The sides are patterned a series of black ovoid markings with reddish blotches, often bordered or centered with white.
Status
''Acrantophis madagascariensis'' is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species since 2011. Previously it was classified as Vulnerable 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. The species was last assessed in 2011.It is also listed as CITES Appendix I, which identifies it as threatened with extinction and recommends a prohibition in international trade except for scientific research.
Behavior
Shelters in mammal burrows, fallen trees, debris piles and similar sites that offer some protection. Hibernation takes place during the cool and dry winter months, usually May though July.Habitat
The species usually occurs in sparse, open woodland such as the Madagascar dry deciduous forests).Reproduction
Mating takes place after emerging from hibernation. Females may be courted by and copulate with more than one male. Ovoviviparous, females give birth to 4-6 large young after a long gestation period of 4–6 months. Neonates are 19-24 inches in length and are already capable of feeding on small rodents and birds.Food
The diet consists of small mammals and birds.Predators
Current threats include deforestation, human population growth, agricultural and industrial development, and collection for the illegal pet trade.References:
Some text fragments are auto parsed from Wikipedia.
