Boa Constrictor Imperator (BCI)

Boa constrictor imperator
Locality: Hog Island (Hog Isle Boa)

Species Overview

• Size: Hog Island boas are one of the recognized dwarf localities of BCI, typically reaching 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 m) in length. Females may grow slightly larger, but they remain smaller and lighter-bodied compared to Colombian BCIs.

• Appearance: These boas are known for their light, sandy-to-pink colouration with reduced melanin, a form of natural hypomelanism. They often display a faded or “washed-out” look, which helps them blend into their coastal island environment. As adults, some individuals also exhibit a soft salmon or pink hue, especially along the sides.

• Distribution: Native to the Hog Islands (Cayos Cochinos), a small island chain off the northern coast of Honduras.

• Habitat: Hog Island boas inhabit coastal forests, scrublands, and sandy shorelines, adapted to an insular environment with less prey availability than mainland boas.

• Behaviour: Like other BCIs, they are primarily nocturnal ambush predators, feeding on small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Their island ecology has reinforced their smaller size and lighter appearance.

Captive Care

• Enclosure: A naturalistic setup is ideal. Due to their smaller size, adults thrive in 4′ × 2′ × 2′ enclosures, though larger is always better. Provide climbing branches, cork bark, foliage, and secure hides. Bioactive setups with soil-based substrate, live plants, and leaf litter help maintain humidity and enrich the environment.

• Temperature & Humidity: Maintain a gradient of 80–85°F (27–29°C), with a basking spot of 88–90°F (31–32°C). Nighttime drops to 75–77°F (24–25°C) are acceptable. Humidity should be kept around 60–75%, with a water bowl large enough for soaking.

• Diet: Being smaller boas, Hog Islands feed on smaller prey items compared to larger mainland BCIs. Juveniles thrive on hopper mice, scaling up to small-to-medium rats for adults. Feeding intervals are every 7–10 days for juveniles and 14–21 days for adults.

• Behaviour in Captivity: Hardy boas that typically adjust well to captive care. Many are known for calmer temperaments, though feeding responses remain strong. Their smaller adult size makes them highly manageable compared to larger boas.

• Special Considerations: As a locality boa, Hog Island individuals are best paired with others of the same type to preserve locality integrity in breeding projects.

Locality Note

The Hog Island Boa is a dwarf insular locality of Boa constrictor imperator:

• Dwarf Trait: Smaller adult size (4–6 feet average).

• Unique Colouration: Naturally reduced melanin (hypomelanism), producing light sandy or pink tones.

• Origin: Native to the Cayos Cochinos (Hog Islands) off the coast of Honduras.

• Value: Highly sought after for their manageable size, gentle appearance, and unique natural colouration.