Amazon Tree Boa / Garden Tree Boa

Corallus hortulanus

Species Overview

• Size: Adults typically reach 5–7 feet (1.5–2.1 m) in length, with a slender yet muscular body. Average adult weight ranges from 2–4 pounds.

• Appearance: One of the most variable boa species in colour and pattern. Natural colour forms range from deep brown or black to bright yellow, orange, and red. Most show distinctive dark hourglass markings across the back, though some may appear nearly uniform with little or no pattern. This variability has earned them the nickname “garden phase” boas.

• Distribution: The most geographically widespread of the tree boas, Corallus hortulanus is found across the Amazon Basin east of the Andes, from Venezuela and Guyana through Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia.

• Habitat: In the wild, they inhabit lowland tropical forests receiving over 60 inches of rain annually, as well as disturbed areas such as woodland edges, secondary growth, agricultural zones, and even near human habitation. They occur from sea level up to 3,280 feet (1,000 m) and are typically associated with habitats that allow continuous canopy contact for arboreal movement.

• Behaviour: True to their name, Amazon Tree Boas spend much of their time in trees and shrubs. Adults are highly arboreal, while juveniles are more often found closer to the ground, especially in low shrubs where they hunt small lizards. They are nocturnal predators, using heat-sensing pits to locate prey such as rodents, birds, and lizards.

Captive Care

• Enclosure: Best kept in a naturalistic, vertically oriented setup that mirrors their arboreal lifestyle. Adults thrive in enclosures at least 36″ tall, with multiple sturdy branches, climbing perches, and dense foliage for cover. Bioactive or naturalistic environments with live plants, cork bark, and leaf litter are strongly recommended.

• Temperature & Humidity: Provide a gradient of 78–85°F (25–29°C) with a basking area around 88–90°F (31–32°C). Nighttime temperatures can safely drop to 75–77°F (24–25°C). Humidity should remain between 60–80%, maintained with misting and good ventilation to prevent stagnation.

• Diet: In captivity, Amazon Tree Boas thrive on appropriately sized rodents. Juveniles may begin on small mice or lizards, while adults typically accept rats. Feeding is generally every 10–14 days, with care taken not to overfeed.

• Behaviour in Captivity: These snakes are well known for defensive temperaments, particularly when young. They may strike if disturbed but can settle with consistent, low-stress husbandry. They are best appreciated as a display species rather than a frequently handled pet.

• Special Considerations: Wild-caught specimens may be available but often carry parasites and adjust poorly compared to captive-bred individuals. Due to their humidity needs and defensive disposition, this species is recommended for intermediate to advanced keepers with experience maintaining naturalistic enclosures.