Crooked-Acklins Boa
Chilabothrus schwartzi
A West Indian boa endemic to the Crooked Island and Acklins Island group in the southern Bahamas.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 0.8-1.3 m (2.6-4.3 ft)
- Range
- Crooked Island and Acklins Island, southern Bahamas
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Overview
The Crooked-Acklins Boa is restricted to the Crooked Island and Acklins Island bank in the southern Bahamas, forming part of the diverse radiation of island-endemic boas in the genus Chilabothrus.
Its very limited island range makes it a species of conservation interest, subject to the same pressures of habitat change and introduced predators that affect other Bahamian boas.
How to identify it
- Moderate-sized, slender body typical of Bahamian Chilabothrus boas
- Coloration brown to tan with darker blotches or bands
- Smooth scales, head distinct from neck
- Large eyes for nocturnal activity
- Identification relies significantly on its restricted occurrence on the Crooked-Acklins bank
Habitat & range
Found in coastal scrub, dry broadleaf forest, and rocky limestone terrain across Crooked Island and Acklins Island in the southern Bahamas.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal, feeding on lizards, birds, and small mammals, sheltering in rock crevices or vegetation during the day. Reproduces via live birth typical of West Indian boas.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Crooked-Acklins Boa venomous?
No, it is a non-venomous constrictor.
Where is it endemic to?
Crooked Island and Acklins Island in the southern Bahamas.
What does it eat?
Lizards, birds, and small mammals, hunted at night.
Is it closely related to other Bahamian boas?
Yes, it is part of the broader radiation of island-endemic Chilabothrus boas found throughout the Bahamas.
Crooked-Acklins Boa guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Crooked-Acklins Boa.
