Boa Constrictor Imperator (BCI)

Boa constrictor imperator
Morph: Anery Het Kahl Snow

Species Overview

• Size: BCI typically reach 6–8 feet (1.8–2.4 m) in length, with females generally larger than males. Adults can weigh between 15–30 pounds, depending on genetics and husbandry.

• Appearance: This morph expresses the Anerythristic trait, which removes red pigment and produces shades of silver, grey, and black. The animal is also Het Kahl Albino, meaning it carries the recessive Albino gene from the Kahl line but does not visually display it. When combined with Albino, Anery morphs can produce the Snow Boa, a pale white and grey morph highly prized among boa enthusiasts.

• Distribution: The natural Boa constrictor imperator is native to Central and South America, ranging from Mexico through Colombia.

• Habitat: In the wild, they occupy tropical lowlands and semi-arid environments, often near rivers, forest edges, and savannahs.

• Behaviour: Primarily nocturnal ambush predators, boas feed on small mammals, birds, and reptiles. They are adept climbers and swimmers but spend much of their adult lives terrestrially.

Captive Care

• Enclosure: A naturalistic enclosure is strongly recommended, with at least 6′ × 2′ × 2′ for adults. Provide branches, hides, and natural décor such as cork bark and plants. Bioactive or semi-bioactive setups with leaf litter and live plants work well for enrichment and humidity stability.

• Temperature & Humidity: Maintain a gradient of 80–85°F (27–29°C), with a basking spot of 88–92°F (31–33°C). Nighttime drops to 75–78°F (24–26°C) are acceptable. Humidity should remain between 55–70%, with access to a large water dish for soaking.

• Diet: Juveniles feed every 7–10 days on appropriately sized rodents, while adults thrive on larger prey every 14–21 days.

• Behaviour in Captivity: Generally hardy and more tolerant of handling than many arboreal species. With consistent, calm husbandry, most individuals become manageable display or handling animals.

• Special Considerations: While selective breeding has produced a wide variety of morphs, their core care requirements remain identical to standard Boa constrictor imperator.

Genetics Note

The Anery Het Kahl Snow morph involves:

• Anerythristic (recessive): Removes red pigmentation, producing grey/black tones.

• Kahl Albino (recessive line): A specific strain of Albino boa; this animal is heterozygous (Het), meaning it carries the gene but does not visually display Albino traits.

• Snow Boa (double recessive): When Anery is combined with Albino, the result is the Snow morph, a pale, nearly white boa with subtle grey markings. Breeding Anery Het Kahl Albino individuals with compatible partners can produce this highly sought-after morph.