that is a very good question and highly debated! There is a very good discussion about it here:Originally Posted by TurkeyPython
http://www.boaconstrictor.net/forums...ead.php?t=2221
specifically post #9
sadly a lot of the image links are now broken.
Back in the 90s they were considered different localities of true red tails. It was in the early 2000*s that people started to look at the topography and not seeing any real natural borders between the countries (mountain ranges) call the area 'Guyana Shield' or simply "shield". Map:
http://www.weltrekordreise.ch/flags-...uyanas_map.jpg
Personally I feel there are some differences that are brought out depending on which area they are 'from' (assuming the founding stock was actually exported from the country of origin and the trappers didn't simply cross the border, rumors abound of that happening since suris could sometimes fetch a slightly higher price, that type of thing).
For *me* - a Suri has sharper, more pointed peaks and pink/red tones. A Guyana has more rounded peaks and purple tones.
But again, at this point, Suri and Guyana are called Shields and are generally considered the same.
*please note that my observations on this topic and the timing of changes, are just that, my personal observations based on conversations and forum posts
I hope this helps a little
I took in a rescue Guyana a long time ago, sadly he passed even with vet help but he was gorgeous and if I ever kept true locality again, Guyana or Suri would be my pick.
I hope you find one you like and share some pics.
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