Pacific Ground Boa

Candoia carinata
Common Names: Pacific Ground Boa, New Guinea Ground Boa, Carinata Boa

Species Overview

• Size: Adults average 2–3 feet (60–90 cm), making them one of the smallest boa species. Females are typically larger and more robust than males.

• Appearance: A stout-bodied boa with a short triangular head and keeled scales that give a rough texture. Colouration varies widely between individuals and localities, ranging from brown, tan, and gray to reddish or orange, often with irregular blotches, stripes, or speckles. This camouflage allows them to blend seamlessly into leaf litter and forest floors.

• Distribution: Found throughout New Guinea, the Bismarck Archipelago, Solomon Islands, and nearby Pacific islands.

• Habitat: Prefers tropical forests, scrublands, and forest edges, often close to humid ground cover. They are strongly terrestrial and fossorial, spending much of their time in leaf litter or burrows.

• Behaviour: A secretive ambush predator, feeding on small reptiles, amphibians, and occasionally small mammals. They rely on camouflage and sudden strikes rather than active hunting.

Captive Care

• Enclosure: Due to their small size, a 20-gallon long tank or equivalent enclosure is sufficient for adults. Provide deep substrate (soil, cypress mulch, or eco mixes) for burrowing, as well as multiple hides and cover.

• Temperature & Humidity: Maintain an ambient range of 78–82°F (25–28°C) with a localized basking area around 85–88°F (29–31°C). Nighttime temperatures can drop to 72–75°F (22–24°C). Humidity should be 70–85%, with regular misting and access to a water dish.

• Diet: In captivity, many start on small lizards or amphibians, but most can be transitioned to rodents with persistence. Adults should be fed small mice every 10–14 days.

• Behaviour in Captivity: Generally shy, secretive, and slow-moving. They spend much of their time hidden, surfacing at night or during feeding. With time, they can become tolerant captives, though they are less handleable than common boas.

• Special Considerations: They thrive in humid, naturalistic enclosures with plenty of cover. Stress can occur in barren setups or with improper humidity.

Species Note

The Pacific Ground Boa (Candoia carinata) is among the smallest members of the Candoia genus, making it unique within the boa family. Its compact size and cryptic lifestyle make it a fascinating, though somewhat specialized, species for advanced keepers. Unlike larger boas, their husbandry must focus heavily on humidity, environmental enrichment, and prey acceptance.