April
16th 2011
St.
Lucia Boa Constrictor (Constrictor oraphias)
Article
by: Jeannette Victor
Forestry Department
Photos copyright: Donald Anthony & Nicole
La Force (Forestry Department)
I am hoping
that after reading last week’s issue
we are all aware and proud that St.Lucia is
home to four species of snakes.
Constrictor
oraphias is the scientific name for the long
dark-brown snake that we call the Boa Constrictor.
This snake also goes by the local name of
Tet Chyenn because it is said that the head
is shaped like that of a dog. It ranges in
length from 0.5m to 4.3m (20 inches to 14
ft). The skin appears glossy and varies from
light brown as juveniles to dark brown as
adults with crossbars on the back. The belly
is light yellow with black spots. A brown
line runs from the snout, passes through the
eye and may continue along the back.
The
boa constrictor is not restricted to a specific
habitat, it could be found almost anywhere
all over the island, cultivated fields, forested
areas and ravines to name a few.
Constrictor
oraphias feeds on birds and mammals such as
rats, bats, mongooses and opossums. It skill
its prey by grabbing them with its jaw and
quickly enveloping it in suffocating coils.
The prey then dies since its heartbeat and
breathing is stopped.
Many
may consider this snake to be a very fierce
animal but only appears so when provoked;
a loud hissing sound is then heard. Other
than that, it enjoys basking in the sun and
could live peacefully in any area wherever
food is readily available. The boa is a non-poisonous
and harmless snake.
It is said
by many that the fat of the snake if melted
could be used to help heal wounds. It has
not been scientifically proven but we do partake
in the slashing of the boa in order to sculpt
out fat. This discriminating activity is prohibited
by the Forestry Department, anyone found guilty
of killing, and deliberately endangering a
boa constrictor will be liable to a fine of
five thousand dollars ($5000.00).
Did You Know?
* The boa constrictor is a sub-endemic species
to our island.
*
Could give birth to up to sixty-four (64)
live young ones in a liter.
*
Boas are good swimmers but are seldom found
in water.
*
They could leap up to 1/3 of their full body
length.
Discuss
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