Care Sheet - Cuban Boa(Epicrates angulifer)

Common Name: Cuban Boa

Scientific Name: Epicrates angulifer
Description: The Cuban Boa is the largest of the West Indian Boas of the genus Epicrates
reaching lengths of over 12.
Range: The Island of Cuba
Habitat: They are found virtually in all types of habitat from xeric areas to tropical jungle.
They are very abundant in farming areas and Cuban Farmers call them "Maja".
Care: Their husbandry is very similar to Boa Constrictors. A temperature gradient from
80F down to around 72F.
Though Cuban Boas can take temps down in the low 50s with no problem as long as
daytime temps rise to around 80 F
Even though the Cuban Boa is the largest of the West Indian Boas it is generally arboreal,
and often found in the branches of trees.
They readily take birds, lizards, rodents and bats. They accumulate around the entrance of
caves and catch the bats as they emerge at dusk. The primary food item in Cuba is an
arboreal rodent called a Hutia but they eat a great variety of prey including an occasional
Iguana [Cyclura nubila].
A vivarium of 72"x30"18" is adequate for an adult with plenty of stout branches
The Cuban Boa can be very aggressive. I had a male that never calmed down and was
always nasty. They have a very powerful musk as well and it can be difficult to clean off;
the smell is very strong and can last for a long time. The female that I had was the
complete opposite. Use cat litter as this helps to absorb the musk
This is a beautiful snake but only for experienced keepers.
Breeding: They breed in the spring [March through to May], the young are born in Aug to
Oct. Offspring can measure up to 3 in length and only have 4-6 young.
John Gamesby