Why aren't Dumeril's boas more popular???

[PsychD_Student]

Probably because it's been illegal to export them from Madagascar for quite a while now. Without introducing more from imported snakes there's only so many new ones that can be produced and sold every year.

I actually disagree with this reasoning. Why do you think that because they can't be exported that the demand for them would go down? You would think that the demand for them would increase.

I honestly am not quite sure why dumeril's boas aren't as popular. They are really cool snakes, but they still get some size to them. They're definitely no ball python!

But back to the import issue... look at their cousins, the madagascan ground boas. Very similar species and look almost exactly the same, yet their supply is even less than dumeril's which makes them significantly more rare and expensive. These guys are never seen for less than $1,000 each hatching specimen.

Angolan pythons aren't able to be imported anymore, much of which is likely associated with Angola's constant internal conflict. However, these AMAZING snakes are highly prized and valued. These guys are NEVER found for less than $1,500 a pair-- the cheapest I've ever spotted them. I'm actually hoping to get into these little guys.

[Trackstrong83]

I tried looking inline and I couldn't find any reasons that say why they aren't as popular.

I was just amazed at how personable they are for a snake!! Because I just reached in my Dumeril's tub to change her water, and she climbed right into my hand! And I've only had for 2 days!! That blew my mind lol

[Abaddon91]

i agree with trak ive owned a dumeril for a cupple months and she is awesome beautiful pattern amazing temperment and i find it had to belive that import is the reason they arent as popular

[The Serpent Merchant]

I actually disagree with this reasoning. Why do you think that because they can't be exported that the demand for them would go down? You would think that the demand for them would increase.

I honestly am not quite sure why dumeril's boas aren't as popular. They are really cool snakes, but they still get some size to them. They're definitely no ball python!

But back to the import issue... look at their cousins, the madagascan ground boas. Very similar species and look almost exactly the same, yet their supply is even less than dumeril's which makes them significantly more rare and expensive. These guys are never seen for less than $1,000 each hatching specimen.

Angolan pythons aren't able to be imported anymore, much of which is likely associated with Angola's constant internal conflict. However, these AMAZING snakes are highly prized and valued. These guys are NEVER found for less than $1,500 a pair-- the cheapest I've ever spotted them. I'm actually hoping to get into these little guys.

Their export has been limited since the early/mid 90's. Because of this there wasn't as big of an initial breeding stock.

Pair that with the fact that there aren't many, if any morphs and you get a snake that isn't as well known.

Anyone that knows about them seems to love them... So the issue isn't popularity, but rather exposure.

[Tfpets]

My Dumerils is always at the front of his tub when there is activity in the room, he dives out of his tub when you open it, and gets, what I would call, panicky when I try to put him away. Always eats great! My son calls him a gamer snake, he will sit with him playing computer games for many hours!

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So the issue isn't popularity, but rather exposure.

Good point, if they don't sell them at petco or petsmart then most people don't know they exist!

[sflanick]

I love dumerials and there are some interesting morphs they have a t post ( Carmel) and a hypo and I think its called orange dream but don't quote me on that dums will come back I'm sure of it lol but the fact that they can be imported has a serious impact seeing as how most morphs are first found in the wild and let's face snake owners want morphs only a few of us just love the beauty of the animals

[Vypyrz]

But back to the import issue... look at their cousins, the madagascan ground boas. Very similar species and look almost exactly the same, yet their supply is even less than dumeril's which makes them significantly more rare and expensive. These guys are never seen for less than $1,000 each hatching specimen.

Both, the Dumerils Boa (Acrantophis Dumerili) and the Madagascar Ground Boa (Acrantophis Madagascariensis) wild populations were listed as Endangered in 1996. Both are listed as CITES Appendix 1, and in 2007, a total ban on exports from Madagascar was enacted. The reason that you can find Dumerils easier than MGB's is simple. An average Dumerils litter will usually average 12-18 nenonates. There are far fewer breeding pairs of MGB's in captivity, combined with the fact that MGB's have the smallest litters and largest babies. MGB litter sizes range from 1-6, with an average of about 3. The average size of a MGB neonate is 18-24 inches, and about 250-300 grams. It is suspected that the two species could interbreed in the border region that separates their native habitats, but no cross breeds have been collected in the wild. In captivity, a few have been successfully bred, possibly to introduce new blood into Dumerils projects. The number of MGB breeders is very few and far between. I only know of one breeder who currently has a gravid female...

[fortoday634]

I think it has little to do with exportation and more with education. If it wasn't for a friend of mine who owned a Dumerils I would have never heard or considered one. Perhaps their "intermediate" care label turns people away too.

[Trackstrong83]

Perhaps their "intermediate" care label turns people away too.

I've heard people say this before..? What's so "intermediate" about them care wise? Is it because of their size? Because their care humidity/temp wise is very similar to Ball Pythons. I just don't see how their "intermediate" lol

[Vasiliki]

I've heard people say this before..? What's so "intermediate" about them care wise? Is it because of their size? Because their care humidity/temp wise is very similar to Ball Pythons. I just don't see how their "intermediate" lol

I would take one in a heartbeat. But, it would have to be male. I do not have the space for a Dumerils boa.

From an outsiders point of view (no boas in my collection), I think it's very likely the morph aspect. With boas, you can walk up to someone and have a discussion about genetics and what your plans are for any breeding in the future, etc. With a Dumerils boa, you walk up to someone else with one and it's like: "That's awesome. I have one too." That little bit of variance in discussion by learning about genetics behind the snake make it interesting. Almost like it's a mini competition, if that makes sense? Haha. "I have an Albino." "Ohh nice. I've got a stunning Jungle at home!"

Personally, I'd take either one. I'd probably prefer a Dumeril. But that's because I've met so many amazing ones, and their strength is just so cool.

To each their own, I suppose!