Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Found this beautiful Tree Boa in the Caroni Swamp, Trinidad (actually found 5 of them). I was told it was a Cook's Tree Boa. Thought you Tree Boa folks would enjoy the picture.
Paul

Thats beautiful, they are not Cooks but Ruschenberg (spelling?) I would love to have one of those. Are they common in Trinidad?

Chris Herrera

Chris,
Thanks for the ID on the snake. I'm not sure just how common or what environments they occur in on Trinidad. I do know that in a short afternoon boat cruise in the Caroni Swamp I came across five and that was just along one channel. Do you happen to know the range of this sub-species? It really was exciting to come across these beautiful snakes (check out the one I found in Venezuela in the 'What Kind' Forum; wild looking).
Take care,
Paul

According to articles I have read they are very common in Caroni Swamp along the river bank trees. Locally they are called "cascabels." There are 4 sub-species found throughout South and the lower portion of Central America and the bordering islands. The ones you saw are the largest of the 4 sub-species and I believe are also found in Venezuela as well as Panama and Costa Rico. Most of the tree boas in the pet trade are from South America and are alot more colorful. I may be headed down to Trinidad in February, I hope I am able to see some tree boas in the wild. Here is a pic of one of my ATBs, probably from Guyana or somewhere near by.

Chris H.

I always peruse this forum and tell myself 'man, you don't need any more snakes'. But after this last trip I've got to get myself a tree boa. They really are fascinating and beautiful.
Thanks again,
Paul

Great pic Paul, definitely Corallus ruschenbergerii, the Trinidad or Black tailed tree boa (but what's in a common name?)

The animals from Trinidad are very unique and are probably endemics that will one day be seperated into their own species status. The animals from Trinidad tend to be very robust and also a patternless overall copper color. From what I understand from my good friend at the Trinidad Zoo they are quite common down there...although the species occurs from Central America to most of the northern coastal region of South America the ones from Trinidad tend to be very unique.

Here's one of mine...

Here's one from a trip to Costa Rica a couple of years ago...

And here's a mainland animal of mine that decided to move to Florida...

Gotta love Ruschi's...thanks for sharing the pic!
Danny

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Urban Jungles.com

The Costa Rican one looks unreal and the one currently residing in florida sends his regards to you!

Your boa looks dead on for the ones seen in Trinidad (minus the many scars). Beautiful pic taken in Costa Rico!
Paul

Here is one, recently released sperm plugs at age 2!!!