Solomon Island Ground Boa
(Candoia carinata paulsoni)
Distribution
This nocturnal subspecies of Pacific Ground Boa is found throughout the Solomon Islands as well as some islands in Eastern Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.
Size
This subspecies averages between 90cm and 120cm (3 and 4ft) in length although some occasionally exceed this.
Diet
This species of boa has a slower metabolism than most of the other snakes. Many keepers only feed their adults one mouse/weaner rat per 3 to 4 weeks. Always ensure that this species is feeding prior to purchasing. This snake has an aggressive feeding response and should always be fed with tongs and not by hand.
Requirements
- Heat Source: - This can be guarded and thermostatically controlled reflector (spot) lights in green, red, or ceramic bulbs. Thermostatically controlled heat mats are also useful for this species.
- Ultra Violet Light Source: - If the keeper chooses to use UVB lights with their snake, then one of the better brands available is the Reptisun 2.0 UVB light. This should be positioned no more than 30cm away from the basking snake. This should be left on for 10 - 12 hours a day and replaced every six months unless otherwise stated by the manufacturer. This will create a day and night time effect as well as give your reptile sufficient levels of UV to allow vitamin D3 synthesis.
- Thermostat: - An essential part of every vivarium and is required to control the heat inside the vivarium and to prevent your pet from becoming too hot or too cold.
- Wire Mesh Guards: - These should be fitted over all heat sources used in order to prevent any thermal burns from occurring.
- Thermometers: - One should be placed at either end of the vivarium. Never go by the temperature on the thermostat, as this is often inaccurate.
- Hides: - These are essential to prevent stress and allow your pet to hide away from the outside world. Artificial plants, boxes, plant pots, caves etc. all makes excellent hides. This species tends to sit on a preferred log/stone for the majority of the time.
- Housing - This should consist of a dark wooden Vivarium with glass frontage and adequate ventilation or vision cage. Hatchlings can be kept in a smaller container inside their future Vivarium. A vivarium measuring 90cm by 45cm by 45cm (3ft by 18” by 18”) is adequate for a specimen/pair of this species. Secure climbing branches must be included, as this species is a good climber. Single sex pairs should be kept unless breeding is intended as this species produces large numbers of live young, which can be extremely problematic to get feeding.
Temperature
Most keepers of this species maintain it at between 26 and 27 degrees Celsius (80 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit) during the daytime.
Humidity and water
The juveniles of this species prefer a more humid environment and should be maintained at around 70%. However, the adults require a lower humidity of around 60%. This can be maintained with the occasional misting of the enclosure with tepid water. A large water container must be available for this species as they drink large amounts and spend a considerable amount of time soaking as well.
Longevity
There is very little data available on the lifespan of this species, more details will be added, as they become available.
NB – If you want a snake for handling then this is not the snake for you, they rarely move and some specimens (not all) can become quite aggressive.
This species changes colour dependant upon mood, temperature, time of day and humidity. It is a fascinating species to maintain.
Substrate
Newspaper, tissue or chip shop paper is the easiest substrate to maintain this species on.
Photograph taken by Stuart Dodsworth..
Distribution map taken from http://www.lifemapper.org/robotfood/Reptile/Candoia%20carinata.HTM
Further reading/useful contacts/Websites
http://www.kingsnake.com/candoia/gem.html - Has some more in depth information.
Stuart Dodsworth –
stuartandlynette@dodsworth2005.wanadoo.co.uk
The International Herpetological Society –
www.international-herp-society.co.uk
The British Herpetological Society –
www.thebhs.org
Taxonomy Information –
http://srs.embl-heidelberg.de:8000/s...-bin/wgetz?-e+[REPTILIA-Species:'Candoia_SP_carinata']
www.petsnakes.co.uk
www.reptilekeeper.co.uk
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