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The Boa Constrictor Imperator is a smaller and slightly lighter colored version of the Boa Constrictor Constrictor. It can be recognized by its porcelain colored underside, light brown and dark brown colored back and the typical dark red tail. However, especially with this snake there are many color variants, whose differentiation might be difficult for the layman. These color variants have then also own names, which often points to their distribution area.
In the German-speaking world the Boa Constrictor Imperator also Emperor Boa, Red-tailed Boa or Bottle snake called. Although it too has a reddish colored tail, the name red-tailed boa refers more to the larger boa constrictor constrictor.
The Boa Constrictor Imperator belongs to the giant boas. Nevertheless, or just because of this, it is with its 150cm to 200cm length rather small representative of the giant snakes. It is this characteristic that makes it so interesting for beginners. It is also manageable for untrained individuals and nevertheless this snake is quite an imposing appearance.
Origin And Keeping Of The Boa Constrictor Imperator
This non-poisonous giant snake is at home in northern South America, Central America and southern Mexico. There is a subtropical to tropical climate, which is correspondingly warm and offers a high humidity. So for keepers of this snake species it is important that they reproduce the climatic conditions of this area well.
The Boa Constrictor Imperator is also suitable as a beginner snake because it is quite robust against unfavorable climatic conditions. However, even this has its limits. If the air in the terrarium is permanently too dry, this can lead to problems with molting. Normally the snake should have no problems to hatch completely on its skin. If it happens several times that remains of the skin stick to the body, then you should definitely check the climate in the terrarium.
In the terrarium should be about 26-28°C with 60-70% rel. humidity. In winter and at night the temperature should drop about 2°C and there should be about 20% less humidity.
Nutrition
The Boa Constrictor Imperator is relatively undemanding when it comes to food. Young animals should be fed with small mice – so called jumpers. Adult animals can easily get large rats. Rabbits are rather unsuitable for this snake, depending on the specimen of the snake and the rabbit. Even though boids (plural of boa) can not infrequently eat animals three to four times as large as they are fat, it should not be overdone. Keep in mind that a snake digests against time. Anything that decays before it is digested will be regurgitated. This is not particularly tasty to witness and especially to clean up. Since there are elevated temperatures in the terrarium, the decomposition process proceeds at a correspondingly rapid pace.
To estimate what is the right size of the food animal, you can roughly follow the following rule of thumb: The girth of the feeder should be at least the same to about twice the girth of the snake.
Make sure that the feeding animal is also not much smaller if you are feeding live. The Boa Constrictor Imperator kills its prey among other things by strangling. For this it is bound to the bending radius of its own spine when wrapping around the food animal. If the food animal is smaller than the bending radius of its spine, then it may only cause unconsciousness of the food animal. Imagine how heartbreaking it is to listen to the feeding animal in the snake’s belly start squealing again. Not to mention the internal injuries of the snake.
Housing Requirements
The boa constrictor imperator is a wild species, a specially protected species, an endangered species, and a particularly dangerous animal. Keeping a Boa Constrictor Imperator may be subject to different requirements in different countries and states for each of these characteristics. In Berlin, at the time of my purchase in 2000, there was only a registration requirement. This simply involved reporting proof of purchase to the Lower Nature Conservation Authority.
In Bavaria there was a permit requirement until 2008, on the grounds that the Boa Constrictor Imperator was a particularly dangerous animal. In the meantime, it is no longer included in the corresponding list, so it has become easier for keepers of this snake.
In any case, you should obtain reliable information whether and under what conditions the keeping is subject to approval in your municipality, or whether there is an obligation to register. Unfortunately, I often have to ask from A to B, since many authority employees themselves do not know where you can get this information. A first point of contact could be the Lower Nature Conservation Authority, but this does not exist in every federal state. Sometimes this function is taken over by the environmental authority. The official veterinarian can also be a point of contact. If everything does not help, you can also ask a veterinarian in your area, who is responsible in your catchment area for notification obligations of e.g. fighting dogs. Often this is the same office.
In case you save the effort, you run the risk that the animal will be confiscated. Further trouble and not inconsiderable costs may follow.
Acquisition
Before buying you should inform yourself very well. Snake keeping is not difficult, but it should not be taken lightly. Especially the costs and the supply with suitable food can become a problem in some areas.
You can rarely buy a Boa Constrictor Imperator in normal pet stores, but often in specialized pet stores. I do not think much of buying animals by mail order, although this is also offered nowadays. On reptile fairs, which take place again and again even in smaller places, you can also find reputable dealers and breeders. The snake itself costs from about 150€.
However, the purchase of the terrarium should be by far the bigger chunk. Here comes the terrarium, the heating, lighting, furnishings and decorations, humidification system (can also be a simple spray bottle) and lots of small stuff. Running costs should not be swept under the rug either. Electricity costs for round-the-clock heating and lighting plus food costs and occasional vet visits should be factored in.
Statistical Data
Length: approx. 1.5m to 2m
Age: approx. 20-30 years
Origin: South America / Subtropics
Preferred climate: Approx. 28 C / 70-75% rel. humidity
Price: from about € 150
A very detailed source is the website of Stöckl. Here you will find a lot of information about the Boa Constrictor Imperator. The owner is also the author of literature on the subject, which has been considered a standard work for years.
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