Observation of the Year, Emerald tree boa

The emerald tree boa, photo credit: Edinson Mozombite

Not only the Observation of the year but possibly the observation of the decade!

Our mission is working! Ten years ago, locals would have just killed this snake and run in fear! Thanks to grassroots education that would not be possible without our local guides. This snake was spared and its presence was alerted to Mikay and Jhon (Both born in Oran)

Two boy were climbing an Inga fruit tree in our reforestation parcel on the Oran Creek. The boys were high up, harvesting fruits when they saw the cryptic figure of an Emerald tree boa (Corallus batesii)

At first, they were frightened and almost fell out of the tree. One of the boys, Ray is family to one of our trail blazers and often works with us as a porter or boat driver. Ray used some logic , after all, he is familiar with the most venomous snakes, they are preserved in glass at the lodge. Ray carefully maneuvered the snake into a bag and walked it to the lodge to show Jhon.

Luckily, Jhon was there with newly arrived guests and he immediately identified it properly. The snake was released close to where it was found and one week later, the boa is still in the same tree! How exciting!

Great job Jhon!

The emerald tree boa is a constrictor snake that spends most of its time in the canopy of primary forest. Their green coloration is perfect camouflage against the canopy where they sit patiently waiting for something to fly by their head or crawl out on its limb.

Like most cryptic creatures, this species is probably more common than we think. They are difficult to find and spend alll their time in the tops, it is no wonder they are observed scantly. This is the first emerald tree boa to date found in the District of Las Amazonas, Oran