Dwarf Boids

[Jerhart]

Ready.

I've recently been contacted by individuals who have differing standards when it comes to defining what a "dwarf" Boid is... I am curious to hear (read) what some of the posters on here define as a dwarf Boid. Maybe list the size cut-off or that cut-off species before you classify them as a medium Boid. For example, I had a few individuals tell me that Dumerils, Hogg Island Boas, and JCPs were all dwarf boids...I disagree and put these I the medium category.

Set.

What are your views...?

Go!

[Evenstar]

In my personal opinion, there is no such thing as a "dwarf" boid as far as it refers to a specific species or sub-species. There are many boids that are smaller than the average and a few that are significantly smaller. But that doesn't make them a dwarf. A dwarf is a particular individual within the species or sub-species or even within a specific locality that is significantly smaller than the average for that specific species, sub-species, or locality.

People use the term incorrectly to describe smaller species. But a Hog Island BCI (Hog - not Hogg) averages 5-6 feet in length. The average Colombian BCI averages 7-8 feet. A Colombian BCI that only grew to 5 feet or a Hog Island that only grew to 3 feet could be considered a dwarf, but a Hog Island is not a dwarf to a Colombian - they are different localities and, unless the individual is smaller, they grow within their respective average. Note: a 5 foot Colombian could be considered a dwarf Colombian while still falling within the average of a Hog Island BCI. This is why it is important to note the species, sub-species, and locality and their respective averages when determining whether an animal is a true dwarf.

Further examples: Amazon Tree Boas are a smaller boid, averaging 4 1/2 - 6 feet. They are a smaller species, not a dwarf. Dumerils ground boas can reach lengths up to 7 feet. Green Tree Pythons and Jungle carpet pythons average around 5 feet. These are the lengths these animals reach naturally. They are not stunted or otherwise impaired and all members of the species reach at or close to these lengths. Now, if you have an adult female Dumerils that is otherwise healthy but only attains a length of 4 feet, that would be a dwarf Dumerils.

So, my definition of "dwarf" is relative to the species: A 4 foot Dumerils or a 7 foot Burmese Python would both be considered a "dwarf" of that species.


* These are just my opinions based on my understanding of dwarfism. I am no geneticist and I can understand there will likely be arguments disputing this. Again, these are just my thoughts based on plenty of research with regards to boa constrictors. There is plenty of debate on this subject surrounding the various boa species in particular. Most boa people view dwarfism in this manner since so many of the pure locality and insular locality boas are smaller than the average mainland boas.

** I do hope this all makes sense. I am fighting a nasty sinus infection and am loaded up on cold medicine. I doubt I am thinking all that clearly at the moment. LoL.........

[Tim Mead]

In the same condition as Kali, and would have to agree with her snotty nose.. , Look at the human race and what is a dwarf ? Same applies to the animal kingdom in my eyes.. Although I do understand why such is used in the hobby.. The Tarahumara boa is extremely small for a mainland boa, but it's milenia that has created such..Irrelavant to the topic, But if you look at the Bc longicauda you'll find folks calling them anytheristic which is also INCORRECT..

[Evenstar]

In the same condition as Kali, and would have to agree with her snotty nose.. , Look at the human race and what is a dwarf ? Same applies to the animal kingdom in my eyes.. Although I do understand why such is used in the hobby.. The Tarahumara boa is extremely small for a mainland boa, but it's milenia that has created such..Irrelavant to the topic, But if you look at the Bc longicauda you'll find folks calling them anytheristic which is also INCORRECT..

Lmao Tim!

But sorry you're in the same boat. You're comments regarding the Tarahumara boa and Longicauda further illustrate my point.

[Tim Mead]

A "boid" type snake (boa's and pythons) are nothing short of miraculous creatures.. If you are familiar with the workings of these creatures you'll HAVE TO AGREE..
A person can take 2 from a litter/ clutch and raise 2 completely different animals.. You can feed 1 every 60-90 days and not grow it to any extent for YEARS...While on the other animal you can feed every weekend and have it grow like a weed.. Wild animals do not get the same rich diet there fore they do not grow to the extent of the captive born animals... I specialize in the Borneo python and I have price lists from the days they 1st came into U.S. ports.. They were stated to be dwarf blood pythons, Check out Big momma's house in the Blood python section and tell me their Dwarf's ..NOW, if you look at the Borneo blood thread you'll see we hatched a baby that weighed in at 15 grams instead of the typical 55-75 grams.. SO I can say I have a dwarf Borneo.. Only time will tell what comes of this..