Description:

 

Corallus hortulana - Commonly known as the Amazon tree boa, is an arboreal species of boa constrictor which can be found throughout many regions of South America.

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These snakes come in a variety of different colors and patterns, making them a beautiful show piece animal for many snake enthusiasts. 

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They have characteristically slender yet powerful bodies which assist them in their ability to climb and remain within the tree tops of forested areas. 

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This strength is also utilized to stabilize themselves on vines and tree branches while hunting - an important ability for an animal that spend the majority of their life above the ground. 

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Size:

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Amazon tree boas will reach an average size of 5-6 feet in length, but can be known to grow up to as long as 7 feet during the course of their lives.

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The thinness of their bodies in contrast with the larger size of their head gives their head and face an oversized appearance.

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Female Amazon Tree boas, as with many species of snake, will typically outsize a male when fully matured.

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Temperament:

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These snakes are notorious for their aggressive disposition. They are naturally inclined to stand their ground when confronted instead of going out of their way to avoid a confrontation like many other species might.

 

Amazon tree boas have exceptionally keen eyesight in addition to also being very alert to changes in heat and sensing vibration. Generally they will not hesitate to lunge at anyone or anything that comes within striking range of these highly sophisticated senses.

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Because of this well documented aggression, these are not typically considered a beginner variety of snake.

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With regular and respectful handling, they may or many not calm down over time.

However, this regular handling will unavoidably mean being bitten and someone looking to own and handle a Amazon tree boa should be prepared for this eventuality.

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Luckily, these snakes have relatively small but needle like teeth (particularly when young), and depending on your tolerance for pain, you may not find their bite to be particularly painful.

 

In my personal opinion, these snakes are better admired rather than regularly handled. They don't seem to enjoy the interaction, and ultimately only serves to cause them undue stress.

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Housing:

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When young, these snakes can be kept in a tank or bin as small as 10 gallons, but as they mature, a minimum enclosure of 30 gallons will be necessary. For the comfort of your snake I would recommend something closer to 50 gallons or larger for a full grown adult.

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Bearing in mind that this is a strictly arboreal species, you should ensure that they're being housed in something with just as much, if not more, height than floor space.

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These snakes have a naturally driven need to climb and hang from branches, so they should also be provided with an adequate amount of in tank decoration to facilitate this need.

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They also very much value their privacy and require a constant sense of security, so hiding spots - whether they be densely planted areas or hide boxes should also be provided.

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Because of these specific environmental needs, these snakes make a great candidate for elaborate bioactive terrariums. I keep my Amazon tree boa in a 60 gallon planted vivarium, with lots of overgrown vegetation. Although I rarely see him during daylight hours, he is very content with this setup, and can be seen in the evenings and throughout the night climbing around within his enclosure.

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Temperature and Humidity:

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A Basking bulb during daylight, alternating to a ceramic heat emitting bulb at night is the preferred method of heating for these snakes. Combined with climbing areas and leaf cover this will simulate their natural habitat and allow them to regulate their body temperature by basking closer to the top or cooling down in the lower, more covered areas of their enclosure.

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You should aim to keep the heat gradient within their enclosure at 75 degrees Fahrenheit in the lowest area of their terrarium to a maximum of 90 degrees Fahrenheit at the uppermost sections. I recommend the use of an infrared digital thermometer - this will allow you to regularly take an accurate measurement of the different heat zones inside their habitat and ensure your tree boas overall well being.

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Misting of the inside of their enclosure and lightly dampening their substrate with water should also be done regularly to keep your snake hydrated and to maintain a humidity level of 60-80%. This can also be achieved through the use of a automated fogging system, albeit the more expensive of the two options.

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Lighting:

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Amazon tree boas do not require a UVB lighting setup, but do require a regular 12 hour day and nighttime light cycle to mimic their natural environment and  nurture their nocturnal hunting instincts.

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I do use a combination of both basking bulbs as well as full spectrum lighting for my Amazon tree boa - but these UV lights are mostly for encouraging plant growth and in an effort to maintain the most natural environment possible. If not intending to grow plants, the light provided from their basking bulb in conjunction with a simple timer should be sufficient.

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Substrate:

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Eco-earth and other brands of substrates are all a viable option for Amazon tree boas. It generally comes down to what you find the most ascetically pleasing for your individual setup.

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These snakes don't really burrow and spend little time on the ground, so it is not overly important what is being used, but should have the ability to hold some moisture, as to assist with maintaining a proper humidity level.

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For my bioactive Amazon tree boa enclosure, I use a combination of eco earth, potting soil, moss and leaf litter.

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Diet:

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Juvenile Amazon tree boas should be fed pinkie or fuzzy mice no more than once a week.

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It may be necessary to start their feeding regiment with live prey, but given their penchant to attack at any visible movement, these snakes are usually not hard to entice with frozen or thawed mice. Every effort should be taken to acclimate them to a pre-killed diet as quickly as possible - as with any other captively kept snake.

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As mature adults, feedings can be less frequent. Twice a month being an ideal schedule. Increasing the size of the food items being offered dependent on their size will be necessary as they continue to grow. However, given the arboreal nature of these snakes, special care must be given to not over feed. Providing them with properly sized meals to accommodate their thin body type is also a must.

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Fresh and chemically treated water should be provided to Amazon tree boas at all times to prevent dehydration.

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Lifespan:

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Average lifespan for this species when kept in captivity is from 12-20 years, with some being known to exceed this timespan and live even longer.

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