Corallus hortulanus

Arboreal terrarium (height greater than width)

Vertical volume is the priority. Install several HORIZONTAL branches of suitable diameter at different heights (a preferred main perch, often the warmest spot), plus dense foliage (live or artificial) for security. An adult is more comfortable in a spacious enclosure; these dimensions are a minimum.

Target ~65-75%. Maintain high humidity WITHOUT stagnant air: good ventilation is crucial to prevent respiratory infections. Let it dry out slightly between mistings rather than keeping the enclosure constantly waterlogged.

A substrate that retains moisture but drains well. The animal lives mostly up high: the substrate mainly serves to regulate humidity. Remove soiling promptly and watch for mould.

Not essential, as it is a nocturnal species, but low UVB (Ferguson index 1, ~2-5% UVB) over a 10-12 h photoperiod is beneficial. It is essential to provide foliage and shaded hides so the animal can retreat from it.

A large bowl of clean water, renewed regularly. Daily misting: the boa often drinks the droplets deposited on the branches and on its body. Good ventilation prevents stagnant water and infections.

Tropical South America: the Amazon Basin, the Guianas, Venezuela, Colombia, Brazil, Peru, Bolivia and Trinidad and Tobago. Lives in the canopy of humid forests and along forest edges (hence the English name 'Garden Tree Boa').

Carnivore (rodent-eater) — Mice and young rats of suitable size (prey ≈ body diameter); occasional chicks

An ambush predator that locates its prey using its heat-sensing pits. Feed with tongs, in the evening. Juveniles: every 5-7 days; adults: every 10-14 days. A real risk of obesity in captivity — avoid overfeeding and prey that is too large. Serve thawed prey warmed to body temperature.

Gestation of about 6-8 months; a slight seasonal nocturnal cooling stimulates the cycle. Litters of ~5 to 15 neonates (sometimes up to ~20). Extreme polymorphism: a single litter can contain grey, bright red, yellow or patterned young, and the colour can change with age (ontogenetic change).

• Respiratory infections (temperature too low, stagnant humidity or insufficient ventilation)
• Difficult sheds / dehydration (dysecdysis) when humidity is inadequate
• Mites (Ophionyssus) and internal parasites, very common in wild-caught animals
• Regurgitation (handling too soon after a meal or unsuitable temperatures)
• Stomatitis (mouth rot) and obesity linked to overfeeding