How many Virgin Island tree boas are there?

How many Virgin Island tree boas are there?

Thomas (USVI), and Tortola Island (BVI). In actuality, there are six stable populations. In Puerto Rico, the species exists in Diablo Cay, Ratones Cay, Río Grande, and Culebra. Recently, the boa has also been reported in the Municipality of Humacao.

Why is the Virgin Island tree boa endangered?

Despite being classified as endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, the Virgin Islands tree boa remains highly imperiled due to severe habitat destruction and fragmentation caused by intense development across its range.

What snakes are in the Virgin Islands?

Q: Do we have snakes in the USVI? A: “Yes, five species on St. Thomas: Puerto Rican Racer, the Garden Snake, the endangered Virgin Islands Boa, the Blind Snake, plus the non-native Corn Snake.

Is the Amazon tree boa endangered?

Amazon tree boas are not currently considered threatened, however, continued collection for the pet trade could impact their numbers in the future.

Do all Amazon tree boas turn green?

Two color “phases” are generally accepted, the “garden phase” and the “colored phase”, both of which are genetically inherited. But unlike the Green tree python or the Emerald tree boa, the Amazon tree boa color doesn’t change during their lifetime.

Are there poisonous snakes in the Virgin Islands?

In the US Virgin Islands, the insects are pesky, but there aren’t any poisonous snakes or scorpions, and iguanas are more apt to beg a tourist for food as opposed to striking one with their tail. The most dangerous animals in this Caribbean paradise don’t live on land.

Where does the boa live in the Virgin Islands?

In the U.S. Virgin Islands, it is restricted to extreme eastern St. Thomas [2]. The Virgin Islands boa lives in subtropical dry forests where it hunts at night, eating mainly lizards asleep in trees [2]. During the day, the boas seek refuge in termite nests or under rocks and debris [3].

What kind of snake is in the Virgin Islands?

Virgin Islands tree boa. The Virgin Islands boa (Epicrates monensis granti), a blotched brown semi-arboreal snake, occurs on a number of islands from Puerto Rico eastward into the British Virgin Islands [1]. In the U.S. Virgin Islands, it is restricted to extreme eastern St. Thomas [2].

Who are the Predators of Boas on St Thomas?

Feral and domestic cats, which prey on adult boas, have become ubiquitous on St. Thomas [1]. Two rat species, also introduced on many islands, are potential predators of young boas [3]. In addition, development on the east end of St. Thomas threatens the remaining boa population there [1].

How did the Indian mongoose affect the BOA population?

The introduction of the Indian mongoose on St. Thomas, St. John, Tortola, and Jost Van Dyke contributed to population declines on these islands [3]. Feral and domestic cats, which prey on adult boas, have become ubiquitous on St. Thomas [1]. Two rat species, also introduced on many islands, are potential predators of young boas [3].