Cropan's Boa
Corallus cropanii
An extremely rare and poorly known tree boa endemic to a small area of Brazil's Atlantic Forest.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 1.5-2 m (5-6.5 ft)
- Range
- Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil (São Paulo state)
Found a snake like this?
Identify any snake from a photo, free.
Overview
Cropan's Boa is among the rarest snakes in the world, known from only a handful of specimens collected in São Paulo state, Brazil. Its rarity and restricted range make it a species of high conservation concern.
Because so few specimens exist, much of its biology is inferred from close relatives in the genus Corallus, and considerable uncertainty remains about its ecology and population status.
How to identify it
- Robust body for a Corallus species, with a shorter, stockier build than other tree boas
- Coloration described as brownish with darker blotching in known specimens
- Distinct heat-sensing labial pits
- Large head, vertical pupils
- Extremely restricted range aids identification when confirmed
Habitat & range
Known only from remnants of Atlantic Forest in São Paulo state, Brazil, a biome that has been heavily deforested. Presumed to inhabit humid forest, though precise habitat preferences are poorly documented due to scarcity of records.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Presumed nocturnal and arboreal like other tree boas, likely feeding on small mammals and birds. Reproductive biology is essentially undocumented due to the extreme rarity of encounters with this species.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cropan's Boa venomous?
No, it is a non-venomous constrictor.
Why is it so rare?
It is known from very few specimens and a tiny range within the heavily deforested Atlantic Forest of Brazil, making it one of the rarest snakes known.
Where is it found?
Only in remnant Atlantic Forest habitat in São Paulo state, Brazil.
Is much known about its behavior?
Very little; most inferences come from related tree boa species.
Cropan's Boa guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Cropan's Boa.
