Talk to me about tarahumaras

[Badgemash]

Looking at one, but I know nothing about them other than 1) they're supposed to be small 2) it looks greyer and more speckled than what I'm used to seeing RTB-wise (not looking for an argument about what officially counts as RTB locality wise, just making a general comparison). Anything beyond my limited knowledge would be appreciated, thanks!

[Daybreaker]

I don't work with them so I'll leave this link for some great info on them via Rio Bravo:

http://www.riobravoreptiles.com/boas_mexico.htm

[Badgemash]

I was not expecting a response that fast! Especially such a helpful one.

It makes sense now why I haven't seen many, and why I've only seen them here (AZ).

[Daybreaker]

I was not expecting a response that fast! Especially such a helpful one.

It makes sense now why I haven't seen many, and why I've only seen them here (AZ).

Gus (Rio Bravo) had a litter drop just earlier this month: if you're still looking around I'd shoot him an email

[Badgemash]

There are actually two in my local reptile store that I'm considering, the price seems very reasonable, they may even end up as part of a trade. But I'm uncertain since I don't know anything about them.

[Evenstar]

Be very very careful about buying a Tarahumara from a pet store. Pure TMs are rare and not too likely to end up in a pet shop. Those in pet shops labeled as TMs are usually a mix - which means they won't likely stay at their small size. Personally, I would only pick up one of these localities from a well-known reputable breeder who works with them like Rio Bravo or Legacy Reptiles. Gus or Joel and Orlando Diaz with Legacy won't steer you wrong.

[Skiploder]

There are actually two in my local reptile store that I'm considering, the price seems very reasonable, they may even end up as part of a trade. But I'm uncertain since I don't know anything about them.

For many years people sold sonorans as tarahumaras. The assumption was made that since the Tarahumara Mountains are in the Sonoran Desert that they were one in the same.

Most of the claimed tarahumaras I've seen (outside of what Russo and Rentfro sell) are either sonorans or some other mixed mexican locality.

[Badgemash]

Thanks everyone, this is the kind of info I need!

I do trust the owner of the store, and spoke to him about them today. I actually missed one when I was picking up hoppers the other day, it's a 1.2 group. He's tracking down their original info for me since they came from his buddy in CA (who was not the original breeder). I'm not sure I'll go for them, but they sure are cute little buggers, although the male is already producing good looking sperm (can't believe I just typed that) and is only around 18 inches. Not something I was expecting to see.

[Evenstar]

Ok, I'm really not trying to diss the store owner or cause any offense whatsoever. But I trust the store owner and manager of our local pet shop too, but if they got a "Tarahumara Mountain Boa" in stock, I would seriously doubt it was the real thing no matter what they said. And that isn't to say I'd think they were lying to me deliberately, just that they wouldn't KNOW or be able to VERIFY with absolute certainty the history and origin of that specific animal.

Pure Tarahumaras just do not show up in pet stores. Vin Russo, Gus Rentfro, and Joel and Orlando Diaz are the only breeders I am aware of who are working with pure TMs and their animals just do not end up in the retail market.

If you don't really care whether or not these animals are pure TMs and you really like them, then go ahead and get one. I am sure it will be a spectacular PET for you and you will certainly enjoy having a boa! But if you want a pure TM with accurate and known lineage, and be able to breed them and in turn market the resulting babies as pure Tarahumara boas, then please reconsider a pet store animal and stick with one of the reputable breeders mentioned.

Again, no offense is intended! S'all good!

[Badgemash]

I totally understand and agree with what you're saying, and no offense is registered whatsoever.

To be fair, it's not a typical local reptile store, but if he can't get me the appropriate documentation, I'm not doing it. I just have a fondness for obscure sorts of animals, so they caught my eye with their cute little heads.