Kingdom Animalia Suborder Serpentes Subfamily Boinae Genus Chilabothrus Order Scaled reptiles | Class Reptilia Family Boidae Species C. argentums Phylum Chordata | |
Similar Chilabothrus, Scaled reptiles, Epicrates, Boas, Boa | ||
The Conception Bank silver boa (Chilabothrus argentum) is a species of boa described in May 2016. It is only known from the Conception Island Bank in the Bahamas. It is the first known discovery of a West Indian boa species in 73 years. It is named for its unique silver color.
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Description
Conception Bank silver boa has silver to tan dorsal background coloration, with or without scattered dark brown scales. Ventral scales are pure cream-white. They measure 40–49 mm (1.6–1.9 in) and females 88–103 cm (35–41 in) in snout–vent length. Tail length varies between 18 and 21 cm (7.1 and 8.3 in).
Habitat and conservation
Conception Bank silver boa is largely arboreal and has been found in silver palm Coccothrinax argentata and gumbo-limbo Bursera simaruba. The species is known from six individuals encountered in July 2015, and from the type series of two individuals collected in October 2015. It has not yet been assessed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), but Reynolds et al. suggest that it should be considered "Critically Endangered" in view of its small area of occurrence as well as potential threats posed by feral cats and (illegal) pet trade. Some level of protection is offered by the Conception Island Bank being designated as a national park, and by the relative remoteness of the islands.