Round Island Boa
Bolyeria multocarinata
A now likely-extinct burrowing boa once endemic to Round Island near Mauritius, notable for its unique jaw structure among snakes.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 0.6-1.0 m (2-3.3 ft)
- Range
- Round Island, Mauritius (likely extinct)
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Overview
The Round Island Boa was a slender, burrowing snake endemic to the tiny Round Island off the coast of Mauritius. It was a member of an ancient and highly distinct snake family unique to this island, with a specialized upper jaw structure found in no other living snake.
This species has not been reliably observed since the 1970s and is widely considered extinct, its decline attributed to habitat degradation caused by introduced goats and rabbits on Round Island. It was harmless to humans.
How to identify it
- Slender, elongated body with smooth scales
- Grayish-brown to olive coloration, generally unpatterned or faintly mottled
- Uniquely hinged upper jaw bones, a feature unknown in any other snake family
- Small head with reduced eyes suited to a burrowing lifestyle
- Historic specimens measured roughly 60 cm to 1 m
Habitat & range
Endemic to Round Island, a small island off the northern coast of Mauritius, where it inhabited palm forest and rocky substrate with loose soil suitable for burrowing.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Presumed nocturnal and fossorial, feeding on small reptiles based on limited historical observation. Its unique jaw hinge is thought to have aided in swallowing prey. Reproductive mode was not thoroughly documented before its apparent extinction, though related bolyeriids are believed to be egg-laying.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Round Island Boa still alive today?
It has not been reliably observed since the 1970s and is considered likely extinct.
Was the Round Island Boa venomous?
No, it was non-venomous and harmless to humans.
Where did the Round Island Boa live?
It was endemic to Round Island, a small island off the coast of Mauritius.
What made the Round Island Boa unique?
It had a distinctive hinged upper jaw structure unknown in any other snake family.
Round Island Boa guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Round Island Boa.
