Candoia bibroni | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Reptilia |
Order: | Squamata |
Suborder: | Serpentes |
Family: | Boidae |
Genus: | Candoia |
Species: | C. bibroni
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Binomial name | |
Candoia bibroni (
A.M.C. Duméril &
Bibron, 1844)
| |
Synonyms [2] | |
Candoia bibroni, commonly known as Bibron's bevel-nosed boa, Bibron's keel-scaled boa, the Pacific tree boa, [3] or the Fiji boa, [4] is a boa species endemic to Melanesia and Polynesia. Two subspecies are recognized, including the nominate subspecies described here. [3] Like all other boas, it is not venomous.
The specific name, bibroni, is in honor of French herpetologist Gabriel Bibron. [5]
C. bibroni is the largest member of the genus Candoia; adults can grow to up to 5 ft /1.5 meters in total length (including the tail). The color pattern usually consists of a pale brown, tan, or reddish-brown ground color overlaid with stripes, blotches, or spots. However, some individuals have no pattern at all. [4]
C. bibroni is found in Melanesia and Polynesia, including the eastern Solomon Islands ( Olu Malau, Ugi, Rennell, Makira, Santa Ana, Santa Cruz, Bellona, Vanikoro and Utupua), the Banks Islands (Vanua Lava Island), Vanuatu, all three of the Loyalty Islands, the Fiji Islands ( Rotuma, the Yasawa Group and the Lau Group), Western Samoa ( Savaiʻi and Upolu Islands), and American Samoa ( Taʻū Island).
The type locality given is "l'île Viti" (local name of Fiji Islands’ archipelago). Jacquinot and Guichenot (1853) list the type locality as "de l'archipel de Viti, Polynésie". [2]
The preferred natural habitat of C. bibroni is forest, at altitudes from sea level to 1,600 m (5,200 ft). [1]
C. bibroni hunts for food both on the ground and in the trees, preying on birds, lizards, and mammals, including bats. [4]
C. bibroni is viviparous. [6]
Subspecies [3] | Taxon author [3] | Common name | Geographic range |
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C. b. australis | ( Montrouzier, 1860) | Solomon Islands tree boa | Solomon Islands/Tonga Island |
C. b. bibroni | ( A.M.C. Duméril & Bibron, 1844) | Pacific tree boa | the South Pacific Islands |