His selection of amphibians and reptiles was the largest in the country, and since boas were a staple in the trade large numbers were always on hand-from all available areas and in all sizes. Unlike other animal dealers of his day, Bill carried nearly every form of wildlife possible. It was during that era, which has been called "the heyday of the animal trade," that I was fortunate to work for Bill Chase in Miami, who ran what was perhaps the most interesting animal compound that ever existed. Occasionally boas would also arrive from other areas. From the late 1960s to early 1970s, prior to the implementation of import and export regulations, large numbers of boas were imported into the United States from export centers such as Colima (Mexico), Barranquilla (Colombia), Leticia (Colombia), Iquitos (Peru), and Belem (Brazil). The continental range of Boa constrictor extends from northern Mexico south to Peru, Bolivia and Argentina. constrictor to become a star attraction in zoos, exhibits, circuses, traveling shows and, eventually, the motion picture business. Branded with a tabloid-like reputation, the stage was set for B. Early explorers to tropical America were captivated by tales of its enormous size, ferocity and crushing abilities, and exaggerated accounts of its prowess were common in the nature books of the times. The boa constrictor is perhaps the most recognizable snake in the New World. constrictor is precariously close to extinction, and it is important that we understand the pressing need to conserve these unique boas and their fragile habitats for posterity. I will also present an overview of their geographical distribution, but more importantly, will attempt to provide an insight into the world of B. Because of their growing notoriety, I am taking this opportunity to present historical information on some captive populations. constrictor undergoes dramatic changes in color, size and body structure, and for the breeder or hobbyist certain traits in insular (island dwelling) populations have increased their popularity. If you peruse the literature, however, you'll find little summary information regarding Boa constrictor on islands. Information on the boa constrictor abounds. I know that it's just me, but whenever I run across a specimen, this little voice inside my head always seems to say, "It is a privilege and a pleasure to have made your acquaintance." But getting back to the definition, it's like explaining why I love the Beatles-I just couldn't put it into words. This old-timer has survived to become the most prevalent ophidian in Latin American forests, an extraordinary feat that commands a certain air of respectability. constrictor was not its extent of variation in color, pattern or size, but the knowledge that this species has been around for a very long time and conquered a tremendous range and variety of habitats. From my earliest recollection, what I always considered special about B. constrictor, which began one fateful morning on a grassy hillside in Costa Rica, long before the Beatles became popular-the first of many encounters that I've had with this species in Latin America. I began reminiscing about my involvement with B. To the herpetoculturist, boa constrictors are a group of snakes that differ in size, color, pattern and value according to their area of origin, classification, variant, morph or genetic makeup.Īs I was coming up with these definitions, I thought about providing my own. To the pet owner, it is a wonderful and beautifully marked creature that doesn't require daily maintenance. To the herpetologist, Boa constrictor is a wide-ranging species (or complex of species) whose taxonomy, relationships and other aspects of its biology remain poorly understood.
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