Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Recently, I have been doing research for a senior thesis project and I have been researching Hogg Island Boas and the conservation efforts surrounding their protection, but I have come to a place in my studies where I would like to be able to conclude that Hog Island (Cayos Cochinos) boas should be their own taxonomical group BUT there is no evidence of genetic isolation for any island species that I have studied. I was hoping to include some peoples OPINIONS on this matter and see if anyone else had any studies on island boas that maybe showing signs of genetic isolation (like inability to breed with mainland species, DNA evidence [although rare and hard to find], developed theories, ect…) I know that this is a lot of scientific stuff but I was mostly looking for opinions on hog island isolation theories and people’s opinions on boa isolation and separate taxonomical groups for island species….. Thanks for any input on these subjects..!!

Sincerely,
Rose Hipskind
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www.srsnakes.com

Not only Hog Islands but many more insulars as well .........
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Money Only Wished It Had The Control Over The World That FEAR Does !

I agree with both hoggs should be their own species but also other island forms like the corn island boas just to name one. The hoggs have been able to breed with mainland boas. People are breeding the hypo or salmon colombians with hoggs. Which I don't think they should. I have even heard of a case whare a hogg and a peruvian were crossed. Ronnie

All boa subspecies are able to interbreed, so they still would have the ability to produce viable offspring with any other boa constrictor. But so can ball pythons and blood pythons so that argument is weak. I believe they are a different subspecies not because of their coloration but because of their body structure and head structure. Pure Hogg Islands have much lighter bodies. My 6 1/2 ft female is about as big around as a soup can. My male is 3 yrs old and under four ft and just slightly larger around than a 50 cent piece. I have noticed that pure hoggs have a different head structure, it is more slender and elongated than most mainland boas. This may have been incoherent rambling I just woke up, but I hope I could be of some help.

Chris Cnada-Smith

All island bci have the smaller head and larger eye compared to mainland boas. Island populations are dwarfed due to range and the isolation. If you like hoggs I would recommend getting corn islands they are awsome animals. Ronnie

Plenty more then just head mass/eye mass,insulars also have different scale mass,body mass then mainland variants.But the bible thumpers will argue whats already written and nothing more.Then morph the **** outta everything with scales and call it the gospel.

>>All island bci have the smaller head and larger eye compared to mainland boas. Island populations are dwarfed due to range and the isolation. If you like hoggs I would recommend getting corn islands they are awsome animals. Ronnie
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Money Only Wished It Had The Control Over The World That FEAR Does !