Emerald Tree Boa
Corallus batesii
Here at Banham Zoo
Hiding in the branches of the habitat is our smallest reptile in the Tropical House the emerald tree boa. Native to South American rainforests, this beautiful snake preys on small mice, birds, and bats while blending into the trees with its striking green scales. Emerald tree boas are ovoviviparous, meaning they lay eggs but keep them inside until they are ready to hatch almost like giving birth!
Did you know? Emerald tree boas are ontogenetic, meaning they change colour as they grow, providing camouflage at various life stages as they climb higher in the trees.
Where Do I Live?
South America
This boa is found in the forests of the Amazon Basin in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. They are mainly arboreal, spending most of their time in trees.
What Do I Eat?
The emerald tree boa feeds on a variety of prey including birds and bats. It is mainly a nocturnal predator and possesses huge fang-like teeth for gripping its prey, however they are not venomous.
How Do I Breed?
Emerald tree boas are ovoviviparous, which means they produce eggs, but retains these eggs within their body, where they hatch and the young then slither out!
Together, we protect wildlife
Conservation status
Least Concern (LC)
Lowest risk of endangerment.
These boas are not considered to be threatened in the wild as they have a large range and are found in a number of protected areas.
Some Helpful Links
Where is the
Emerald Tree Boa
located?
Our
Emerald Tree Boa
is located in our
Explorer Zone
, map reference
1
.
What’s the best time to see the animals?
The best time to see our animals is often during feeding times or in the cooler parts of the day when they are most active. Check our daily timetable for keeper talks and feeding sessions for an up-close look! Our habitat signage also includes helpful hints and tips to make the most of your visit.
How do you ensure the animals' welfare?
Animal welfare is our top priority. We provide species-specific habitats, enrichment activities, and expert veterinary care to ensure all our animals thrive.
