Synonym

• Corallus hortulanus (LINNAEUS, 1758)

Natural Distribution

• S. Columbia, S. Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guyana, Brazil, Equator, Peru, Bolivia

Approximate Size

• Males 1.4-1.8 meters (4.5-6 ft.)
• Females 1.8-2.4 meters (6-8 ft.)

Conservation Status

• CITES Appendix II³

Characteristics

Amazon tree boas are highly variable in terms of color phase and pattern with no two animals looking alike. Locality types have some similarities in pattern (Henderson 1997)^1.  Animals can often be red, orange, yellow, brown or a combination of colors.

Amazon’s are distinguishable from other species in the Corallus complex by the maximum number of dorsal scale rows being almost always over 50. ²

Because Amazon’s are so variable in appearance, they are very popular among hobbyists.

Description

Amazon Tree Boas (Corallus hortulanus) are, in my opinion the most under rated tree boas. Amazons are very hardy and easy to care for. However, Amazons have a reputation for being aggressive and will readily bite keepers, therefore many inexperienced people will shy away from them.

It has been my experience that Amazon Tree Boas are largely not aggressive, even the most aggressive animals will tame over time.

Obviously, wild caught animals have the worst reputation and are indeed aggressive compared to captive born animals. However, even wild caught animals will tame over time. More importantly, Amazons are readily bred in captivity, so there’s no need to purchase wild caught boas that will require parasite removal.

Amazon Tree Boas (Corallus hortulanus)

References

1. A Taxonomic Review of the Corallus hortulanus Complex of Neotropical Tree Boas. Caribbean Journal of Science, Vol. 33, No. 3-4, 198-221, 1997 (Henderson 1997)
2. Corallus hortulanus (LINNAEUS, 1758) – The Reptile Database. (Accessed Online, 2017)
3. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) – Appendices I, II and III

#DarrenHamillReptiles #AmazonTreeBoas