Kenyan Sand Boa
Gongylophis colubrinus
A stout, burrowing boa of East African savannas and deserts, recognized by its bold saddle-like pattern and spade-shaped head suited for digging through sand.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 0.5-0.9 m (1.6-3 ft)
- Range
- East Africa
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Overview
The Kenyan sand boa is a small, robust burrowing species native to the arid regions of East Africa, well adapted to sandy and loose soil habitats with a wedge-shaped head and reduced eyes positioned high on the skull.
It is non-venomous and generally docile, relying on constriction to subdue small prey and posing no danger to humans.
How to identify it
- Stout, cylindrical body with a distinctly wedge-shaped, shovel-like head adapted for burrowing
- Bold pattern of yellow, orange, or tan background with irregular dark brown or black saddle-shaped blotches
- Small eyes positioned high on the head, allowing the snake to see while mostly buried
- Smooth scales and a short, tapering tail
- Notably muscular, thick body relative to its length
- Adults typically 0.5-0.9 m in length
Habitat & range
Inhabits arid savannas, semi-desert scrubland, and sandy or loose soil habitats across East Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, Somalia, and Ethiopia. Highly fossorial, often burying itself in loose sand or soil with only its eyes and nostrils exposed.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Primarily nocturnal, ambushing prey from just beneath the sand surface. Diet consists of small mammals and occasionally birds, which are struck, constricted, and consumed largely underground.
Generally docile and slow-moving. It is a live-bearing species, giving birth to litters that can vary considerably in size.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Kenyan sand boa venomous?
No, it is non-venomous and subdues prey through constriction.
How big does the Kenyan sand boa get?
Adults typically reach 0.5-0.9 m (1.6-3 ft) in length.
Where is the Kenyan sand boa found?
It inhabits arid savannas and sandy scrublands across East Africa, including Kenya and Tanzania.
How does the Kenyan sand boa hunt?
It ambushes prey from just beneath the sand surface, using its wedge-shaped head to burrow and strike from concealment.
Kenyan Sand Boa guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Kenyan Sand Boa.
