Halmahera Ground Boa

Candoia paulsoni tasmai
Common Names: Halmahera Ground Boa, Halmahera Candoia

Species Overview

• Size: Adults typically reach 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 m), with females larger and heavier-bodied than males.

• Appearance: A robust boa with a triangular head, short body, and keeled scales giving a rough texture. Colouration is highly variable, ranging from reddish-brown and orange to gray or nearly black, often with irregular blotches, banding, or speckling. Halmahera localities are often noted for their darker overall tones compared to other Candoia paulsoni subspecies.

• Distribution: Endemic to the island of Halmahera in Indonesia, part of the Maluku (Moluccan) Islands.

• Habitat: Prefers humid tropical forests, swamp edges, and lowland jungles, often found close to water and in dense ground vegetation.

• Behaviour: A terrestrial ambush predator, relying on camouflage in leaf litter, mud, or undergrowth. Prey includes amphibians, reptiles, small birds, and mammals. Activity peaks during evening and night.

Captive Care

• Enclosure: A spacious enclosure such as a 4’ × 2’ × 2’ is suitable for adults. Provide deep substrate (cypress mulch, soil mixes, or eco-bedding) for burrowing, along with hides, climbing branches, and a large water bowl.

• Temperature & Humidity: Maintain an ambient range of 78–82°F (25–28°C) with a basking area around 86–88°F (30–31°C). Night drops to 72–75°F (22–24°C) are acceptable. Humidity should be 70–85%, with frequent misting and good ventilation.

• Diet: Juveniles often begin on small amphibians or reptiles, but most can be converted to rodents in captivity. Adults should be fed appropriately sized rodents every 10–14 days.

• Behaviour in Captivity: Generally secretive and sedentary, but hardy once acclimated. They may be defensive at first but usually calm down with consistent care. Handling should be minimal to reduce stress.

• Special Considerations: Require high humidity and naturalistic, densely furnished enclosures to thrive long-term.

Species Note

The Halmahera Ground Boa (Candoia paulsoni tasmai) is a subspecies of the Pacific Ground Boa complex (Candoia paulsoni). Compared to other island forms, Halmahera boas are larger and darker, with more robust bodies. Maintaining subspecies purity is important for keepers and breeders, as each island form has unique appearance and size characteristics.