Malagasy tree boa
| Sanzinia | |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Boidae |
| Genus: |
Sanzinia Gray, 1849 |
| Species: | S. madagascariensis |
| Binomial name | |
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Sanzinia madagascariensis (A.M.C. Duméril & Bibron, 1844) |
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| Synonyms | |
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Sanzinia madagascariensis (also known as the Malagasy tree boa, or Madagascar tree boa) is a non-venomous boa species endemic to the island of Madagascar. Two subspecies are currently recognized: S. m. madagascariensis and S. m. volontany.
Adults average 4–5 feet (122–152 cm) in length, although 6–7 foot (183–213 cm) specimens are not uncommon. Thermoreceptive pits are located between the labial scales. Females are larger than males.
There are two known subspecies:
Sanzinia madagascariensis madagascariensis is greenish in colour and is found on the east side of Madagascar, while S. madagascariensis volontany is brownish in colour and is found on the western side of the island. The separation of these subspecies has been supported on the basis of genetic data, and they may represent distinct species.
Endemic to Madagascar. The type locality given is "Madagascar".
Favors trees and shrubs near streams, rivers, ponds and swamps.
This species was classified as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in 2006 with the following criteria: A1cd (v2.3, 1994). 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. It is now listed as Least Concern (LC) as it is widespread, present in heavily degraded habitats and it is not subject to any known or suspected threats.
Also 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, for example for scientific research.
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