Exploring the Safe World of Herpetology in Madagascar
If you are fascinated by snakes and other reptiles, Madagascar is the perfect destination for you. All the scaley creatures native to the island are non-venomous to humans, allowing visitors to get up close without any zoological expertise. Taking a photo with these exotic reptiles and even posing with them is hardly as safe in any other country on earth as it is in Madagascar.
The red island. However, it is important to treat reptiles with respect and minimize stress as much as possible. Some species (mainly Leioheterodon madagascariensis) can become aggressive when they feel cornered, but they remain completely harmless to humans even in those situations. The best time to observe reptiles is during the summer of the Southern Hemisphere, from October to April. This is when the weather is warmest. In some regions, it is important to consider the rainy season when choosing the time to visit. Travelers to Madagascar will encounter majestic reptiles in almost all areas of the island.
They can be observed in places like Ranomafana, Montagne d‘Ambre, and Andasibe, as well as in rice fields, roadside ditches, forests, near rivers and swamps, and in the dry and mineral-rich south. Divers can also observe impressive sea snakes in coral reefs. The Leioheterodon modestus is very common, easily recognizable by its light brown color and characteristic head. The elongated striped Dromicodryas bernieri can also be found.
Madagascans are often afraid of snakes, as they are attributed negative qualities by the very superstitious population. Although they are not hunted for this reason, many species of snakes are threatened with extinction due to the threat to their habitat. This includes Madagascar’s unique boas, which, like the lemurs or many chameleon species, are only found here. In total, there are
80 different species of snakes on the island.
Madagascar’s Impressive Boas
Three out of the four snake species living in Madagascar have their natural habitat only in Madagascar (Boa manditra, Sanzinia madagascariensis, and Boa dumerilii). Supposed enthusiasts of these impressive animals pay a high price when offered a specimen of these species on the black market. Economic hardship drives some Malagasy people to hunt and capture these seemingly eerie animals. Too often, they succeed in shipping these strictly protected species to Europe or Bangkok, the hub for exotic animals. Some tribes in Madagascar hunt and consume particularly large specimens of these boas.
Impressive Boas.
One of these particularly large Boas is the Boa madagascariensis – Acrantophis madagascariensis. It lives on the ground of the northern and eastern rainforests of Madagascar and, like many snake species, is nocturnal
. Adult specimens measure up to 3.5m in body length. The Leioheterodon madagascariensis also has an impressive length and is one of those species that can be observed quite frequently. Although it is not a venomous snake, it is – unlike other Boas – very aggressive. It is often found in open areas, but also on roads and paths in the east of the country such as Montagne d’Ambre. Recognizable The Boa dumerilii, also known as Acrantophis dumerili, is known for its beautiful blue-black and yellow scales. This snake primarily feeds on frogs, lizards, small snakes, and eggs. Found mainly in the northern and southwestern regions of Madagascar, the Boa dumerilii also preys on small reptiles, eggs, and even birds.
