Madagascar Tree Boa

(Sanzinia madagascariensis)

There is one male Madagascar tree boa at Seneca Park Zoo. He was born in 2007 and came to the Zoo in 2015.

Animal Facts

Diet

Madagascar tree boas feed primarily on birds, bats and small, ground-dwelling mammals.

Status in The Wild

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List status

This snake is found solely on the island of Madagascar and on the small nearby island of Nosy Be. It can be found throughout the islands’ forested habitats, primarily where water is nearby.

Though very common throughout Madagascar, these snakes are still considered at risk. Their habitat is being lost through deforestation and mining. It is believed that only 15% of Madagascar’s original forested areas remain. 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, (example: scientific research). Though sales are prohibited, there is still a problem with illegal pet trade.