Boa Constrictor

Description

The Boa Constrictor (Boa Wowla), also known as the Common Boa or Central American Boa, is a large and powerful constrictor snake. Native to various habitats in Central and South America, including parts of Belize, these boas exhibit a range of colors and patterns.

Interesting Facts

• Scientific Name: Boa Wowla
• Habitat: Inhabits diverse environments, such as forests, grasslands, and coastal regions in Belize.
• Diet: Carnivores, preying on birds, mammals, and occasionally reptiles; constricts and swallows prey whole.
• Behavior: Nocturnal and solitary; excellent climbers and swimmers; important for maintaining ecological balance; popular in the exotic pet trade.

Fun Facts

• Boas are viviparous, meaning that they give birth to live young instead of laying eggs like other reptiles
• Boas are part of the Boidae family, which also includes anacondas
• Boas kill their prey by restricting blood flow to the brain, not by suffocation

Belize Zoo Trivia

• “Balboa” has been a household name at The Belize Zoo for many decades. Although there have been a couple different boas who carry the name in the Zoo’s 40 year history, the mantle as “snake ambassador” remains constant. Balboa educates thousands of visitors about the importance of snakes, and has helped countless people address their fear and hatred of snakes, and foster more empathy and appreciation.

• While snakes in the wild should never be picked up or handled without cause, visitors have the opportunity to hold Balboa under the supervision of trained TBZ staff.

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