Boas from the Candoia Genus
Written by:
Michael Crabtree
Level of Difficulty: Novice/Intermediate; not my recommendation for a first snake, but
relatively easy if they have a good feeding record.
New Guinea (Pacific) dwarf tree boa - Candoia carinata
Solomon Island (Pacific) ground boa - C. paulsoni
Halmahera Island boa - C. paulsoni tasmai
Solomon Islands (Bibron's) tree boa - C. bibroni australis
New Guinea ground boa (viper boa) - C. aspera
NOTE: There are other subspecies within these well-known species, but they're virtually
unknown in the pet trade, and little is known of them in the wild. Also, unless otherwise
termed, these snakes will be abbreviated as PTBs (Pacific tree boas) from here on.
General Information
Distribution
PTBs are found throughout several islands of Southeast Asia, mostly in the Solomon
Islands and New Guinea. However, none of these snakes are found on the mainland.
Habitat
PTBs can be found in many different environments in their distribution, ranging from dry
savannahs to swampy wetlands. However, the Bibron's TB and the viper boa are more
commonly found in swampy wetlands.
Size
New Guinea (Pacific) dwarf tree boa - 18"-24"
Solomon Island (Pacific) ground boa - 36"-60"
Halmahera Island boa - 24"-36"
Solomon Islands (Bibron's) tree boa - 36"-60"
New Guinea ground boa (viper boa) - 24"-36"
(NOTE: size ranges are wide due to the fact that females grow significantly larger than
males)
Temperament
Disposition varies with each individual animal. Most WC snakes can be pretty feisty, but
with patience, many calm down to tolerate occasional handling. PTBs are becoming
increasingly popular, and more of these snakes are being bred in captivity. CB animals
are usually more tame and also have less feeding issues.
Longevity
Given their size, I would estimate that a PTB can easily pass the 10-year mark under
ideal captive conditions.
Captive Care
Diet
In the wild, many PTB species primarily eat other small herps, such as lizards and frogs.
So initially, many WC specimens refuse rodents in any form. However, many eventually
can be converted to a diet of mice, usually via using the scent-marking method. This is
rarely an issue with CB snakes. These snakes, like many arboreal boids, also do not eat as
often as most snakes. Young may eat one pinky a week, and adults may eat a small
mouse every 10-24 days.
Temperature
Average snake temperature requirements; around 80-85'F during the day, with a
nighttime drop in the lower 70s. A basking lamp is recommended to maintain the proper
temperature. Since these snakes are nocturnal, the bulb should preferably be infrared or
some other type with low visible light. Also, an undertank heater should be used for the
more terrestrial species.
Humidity
Relatively high, 65%-85%
Minimum Required Space
New Guinea (Pacific) dwarf tree boa - 10-20H gal
Solomon Island (Pacific) ground boa - 30H +
Halmahera Island boa - 20H - 30H
Solomon Islands (Bibron's) tree boa - 30H +
New Guinea ground boa (viper boa) - 20L - 30L
Substrate
Any bedding normally used for tropical species: Repti-bark, cypress bedding, Bed-abeast, forest litter, Jungle mix, coconut chips, unfertilized potting soil, or any combo of
the above. For my animals, I use soil mixed with cypress bedding. I would recommend
using more moist substrate for the Bibron's TB and the viper boa.
Other Cage Furniture
Many PTBs like to soak, so a water dish large enough for them to submerge is
recommended. Definitely an assortment of sturdy branches for the arboreal species. And
like any reptile, an appropriately-sized cave or shelter is required.
Breeding
The first step in breeding Candoia species is finding a pair. The good news is, unlike
many snakes, PTBs are easy to distinguish males from females; males have spurs, while
females do not. Next, brumate your animals between November and January, and start
introducing the pairs in early spring. Most breeders recommend having multiple males to
induce a mating response from the female. Being viviparous, females give birth sometime
in the early fall, and can have as many as 50 young, although the average is 5-20.
Neonates will probably only take small lizards and frogs at first. Most breeders also
recommend not breeding a female 2 years in a row. This is because females only ovulate
every 2-3 years, and can also become egg-bound if bred 2 years in a row, which could
result in death for the snake.
Common Ailments
WC specimens can sometimes be parasite-ridden. Also, low humidity can cause skin
blisters and issues with molting.
Resources
Other Useful Websites
http://www.kingsnake.com/candoia/gem.html
http://www.centralpets.com/animals/reptiles/snakes/snk2769.html
http://www.centralpets.com/animals/reptiles/snakes/snk2758.html
http://ezinearticles.com/?Solomon-Island-Boa-Care-(Candoia-paulsonipaulsoni)&id=236340
http://ezinearticles.com/?Viper-Boa-Care-(Candoia-aspera-aspera)&id=233785
http://ezinearticles.com/?Halmahera-Island-Boa-Care-(Candoia-paulsonitasmai)&id=236350