Kent:
The information you provided on minimal weight loss during brumation for your two Rubber Boas is very typical for the species. Years ago I read something to the effect that for some species, considerable weight loss occurs during brumation which I believe the authors indicated contributed to some mortality during the winter months. In contrast, I have found that both captive and wild boas incur very little weight loss during the brumation period.

Here is the information on the two adult male boas I recaptured on Feb. 11th and released the following day.
KVB male #15 Recaptured 10/17/11 at 64.3 grams and released 10/23/11. Recaptured 2/11/12 at 61.8 grams. Wt. loss = 2.5 grams (3/9%) over approx. 4 month period

KVB male #17: Recaptured 10/17/11 at 58.4 grams and released 10/23/11. Recaptured 2/11/12 at 56.7 grams. Wt. loss = 1.7 grams (2.9%) over approx. 4 month period

And it's safe to assume neither boa fed after being released last October 23rd.

Richard F. Hoyer (Corvallis, Oregon)

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