Silver Boa
Chilabothrus argentum
An extremely rare, silvery-scaled boa described only in 2016, found solely on a single tiny island in the Bahamas.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 0.6-0.9 m (2-3 ft)
- Range
- Conception Island Bank, Bahamas
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Overview
The Silver Boa is one of the most recently described boa species, first documented scientifically in 2016 from a small uninhabited cay in the Conception Island Bank of the Bahamas. Its distinctive iridescent silvery-grey scales set it apart from other Bahamian boas.
With an extraordinarily restricted range confined to a tiny island, this species is considered critically endangered and is among the rarest boas in the world.
How to identify it
- Slender body with a striking silvery-grey to pale iridescent sheen
- Faint darker blotching or banding may be present along the body
- Smooth, glossy scales that reflect light distinctively
- Small head, not distinct from the neck, typical of Chilabothrus boas
- Distinguished from other Bahamian boas primarily by its unique silver coloration and restricted island range
Habitat & range
Restricted entirely to a single small, uninhabited island within the Conception Island Bank in the central Bahamas. It inhabits coastal scrub and rocky/sandy terrain with sparse vegetation, sheltering in rock crevices and under debris.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and secretive, this boa forages at night for small lizards and possibly nesting seabird chicks or eggs. It is a live-bearing constrictor. Due to its minute population and single-island distribution, it faces significant extinction risk from any habitat disturbance.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Silver Boa venomous?
No, it is a non-venomous constrictor.
Where is the Silver Boa found?
Only on a single small island in the Conception Island Bank, Bahamas.
When was the Silver Boa discovered?
It was formally described by scientists in 2016.
Why is the Silver Boa rare?
It is confined to one tiny island, giving it an extremely limited population and range.
Silver Boa guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Silver Boa.
