Corallus batesii

Vertically oriented arboreal terrarium, well ventilated, fitted with sturdy horizontal perches at various heights and foliage (live or artificial) for cover.

Minimum dimensions for a single adult; larger is preferable. Height and the availability of stable horizontal perches matter more than floor area. Good ventilation is essential to avoid stagnant air.

High humidity with cycling: let it drop during the day (60-70%) and rise at night after misting (up to 80-90%). Avoid permanently stagnant humidity without ventilation: high humidity + confined air = respiratory infections.

A substrate that retains moisture but drains well; a layer of damp sphagnum helps maintain humidity without becoming waterlogged. Avoid any standing water (bacterial/fungal risk) and remove droppings promptly.

Not essential (strictly nocturnal species). A very low-intensity UVB (Ferguson zone 1) can be beneficial if provided with large shaded areas. Maintain a regular photoperiod of about 12 h.

A large bowl of clean water available at all times. Daily misting (ideally in the evening) to form droplets on the perches and foliage: this is the main drinking source for this arboreal species. Watch for signs of dehydration.

Amazon Basin: Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela and the Guianas (lowland tropical rainforest). Listed under CITES Appendix II (Annex B of the EU Regulation): CITES/traceability documentation and declarations are often required for keeping and especially for transfer of ownership — check your local regulations.

Carnivore (mammal- and bird-eater) — Appropriately sized rodents (mice, then rats) offered thawed; in the wild, birds and small mammals caught thanks to the deep heat-sensing pits and long teeth.

Slow metabolism: feed sparingly (adult: one moderate prey item every 2-4 weeks) to avoid obesity and regurgitation. Prey should not markedly exceed the body's diameter. Do not handle after a meal.

Litters of large neonates. Demanding to breed, requiring thermal/photoperiodic cycling and females in excellent condition; gestation is taxing. Red/orange neonates turning green with age.

• Respiratory infections (insufficient ventilation, stagnant air, poorly managed humidity or unsuitable temperatures)
• Regurgitation syndrome (prey too large, handling after a meal, temperatures too low)
• Dehydration and kidney damage / gout (lack of water or humidity, insufficient misting)
• Dysecdysis — incomplete sheds (humidity too low)
• Thermal burns (unguarded heat source) and external parasites (mites), especially in wild-caught animals