Boa constrictors are New World snakes living exclusively in the Western hemisphere. but certain boa species have been discovered in remote areas such as Mauritius and New Guinea.
When they do reside in rainforests, they tend to stick to the edges or clearings. They can also be found in dry tropical deserts, semi-deserts, woodlands, and scrub and agricultural areas. They are often found near streams or rivers.
Boas tend to be solitary until mating time. They are primarily nocturnal, though they sometimes come out to sun themselves in cooler temperatures during the day.
Boa constrictors’ diets are composed chiefly of small mammals like rats and squirrels. bats are a favorite food, which boa constrictors catch while hanging from trees or the mouths of caves, snatching their prey as it flies by.
Boa constrictors are ovoviviparous, meaning they give birth to live young. Their gestation period is about five to eight months, depending on the local temperature.
Some populations of boa constrictors have come under threat from hunters seeking their attractive skins and meat. They have also faced habitat loss from urban and agricultural development and increased danger from road vehicles. Boa constrictors have also been overly collected for the pet trade.