Boiga

Boiga

Last updated: May 27, 2024
Verified by: AZ Animals Staff
Kurit afshen/Shutterstock.com

Advertisement


Boiga Scientific Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Reptilia
Order
Squamata
Family
Colubridae
Genus
Boiga
Scientific Name
Boiga

Read our Complete Guide to Classification of Animals.

Boiga Conservation Status

Boiga Locations

Boiga Locations

Boiga Facts

Prey
Rodents, lizards
Diet
Carnivore

Boiga Physical Characteristics

Color
  • Black
  • Gold
Lifespan
12 to 15 years
Length
2 to 3 feet
Venomous
Yes
Aggression
Low

View all of the Boiga images!



Share on:
Boiga snakes are a diverse group of snakes known for their adaptability, with over 50 species found across various habitats, primarily in Southeast Asia, India, and Australia.
Boiga snakes are a diverse group of snakes known for their adaptability, with over 50 species found across various habitats, primarily in Southeast Asia, India, and Australia.

The Boiga is a genus of snakes that are members of the Colubridae family.

They are native to Asia, Australia, and India, but they have spread to many other parts of the world. These snakes are highly adaptable and able to survive in many varied environments. Boiga snakes are mildly venomous.

3 Fun Facts About Boiga Snakes

Boiga snake

Due to their large eyes, these snakes are commonly referred to as cat snakes or cat-eyed snakes.

• Because of their big eyes, they are also known as cat snakes or cat-eyed snakes.
• Despite being venomous, they are popular as exotic pets.
• There are more than 50 species of Boiga, and there are hundreds of sub-species.

Where To Find Them

Where Do Snakes Live

Boigas thrive in warm and humid habitats, yet their remarkable adaptability allows them to thrive in various environments, contributing to their widespread population within their range.



Boigas prefer a warm, humid habitat, but they are highly adaptable. Their hardiness has ensured they are well-populated in their range.

Members of this genus make good zoo exhibits because they tend to be large and vividly colored. One example is Boiga dendrophila divergence, also known as the Luzon mangrove snake or the gold-ringed cat snake. It is a striking snake with shiny, smooth black scales and vivid yellow bands. This snake is at the Buffalo Zoo.

This snake species is part of a breeding nursery at the Moscow Zoo.

Boiga melanota, the western mangrove cat snake, is native to Thailand and one of the species that live in areas protected by national parks in Thailand. This snake is known for its glossy black background and large yellow bands. It is one of the biggest cat snake species in Asia. These national parks are also home to Boiga dendrophila divergens and several other cat snakes.

The green cat snake (Boiga cyanea) is a bright green snake with dark blue or black patches. This is another common, widespread member of the Boiga family. Boiga cyanea is native to most of Indonesia.

Scientific Name

Boiga snake

The Boiga snake encompasses a diverse group of snakes, with over 50 known species identified to date.

Since Boiga is a genus and not a specific species of snake, the name Boiga covers many different snakes.

There are more than 50 species of Boiga snake, and they include:

• Boiga andamanensis: Andaman cat snake
• Boiga angulata: Leyte cat snake
• Boiga barnesii: Barnes’ cat snake
• Boiga nigriceps: Black-headed cat snake
• Boiga blandinii: Blanding’s tree snake
• Boiga siamensis: Gray cat snake
• Boiga ochracea: Tawny cat snake
• Boiga ceylonensis: Sri Lanka cat snake
• Boiga cyanea: Green cat snake
• Boiga cynodon: Dog-toothed cat snake
• Boiga dendrophila divergens: Gold-ringed cat snake, mangrove snake

Evolution and Origins

The Boiga genus comprises species that are indigenous to Southeast Asia, India, and Australia, but their remarkable resilience and adaptability have enabled them to establish populations in numerous other suitable habitats worldwide.

Originating from Papua New Guinea, the brown tree snake inadvertently made its way to Guam in the 1940s as a result of unintentional introduction through U.S. military transportation following World War II.

Reportedly, this snake sustains itself by preying on lizards, small birds, their eggs, and small mammals, while its venom is generally classified as mild in terms of potency.

Population and Conservation Status

The snake is classed as “least concern” for conservation status by the IUCN Redlist.

One species of Boiga snake, the brown tree snake (Boiga irregularis) has become a highly invasive pest after being introduced to the island of Guam. The snake was introduced to the island by accident, and it wreaked havoc on the island’s ecology and economy. The snakes have no natural predators on the island, and they have destroyed many native species of birds, mammals, and reptiles.

These snakes have decimated local rodent populations, which means trees and plants are slow to germinate. These trees depend on rodents to pollinate their seeds.

Since 2010, the Guam and United States governments have been using “mouse bombs,” which are dead mice filled with acetaminophen, a pain reliever that is deadly to snakes. Airplanes fly overhead and drop the poisoned mice onto areas populated by the snakes.

The government also employs snake detection dogs who inspect all cargo that leaves Guam. Authorities want to make sure other islands don’t get any brown tree snakes that could have the same impact. These dog teams and their handlers work 24-hour shifts to inspect every item before it leaves the island.

In 2021, conservationists reported that these efforts were finally having some effect. Brown tree snake populations have declined. The work is ongoing, however. In 2021, the U.S. government authorized $4 million to fight the brown tree snake problem.

How To Identify: Appearance and Description

Dog-toothed Cat Snake (Boiga cynodon) is a snake endemic to South East Asia.

The Boiga, also known as the cat snake, is a long, slender snake with a large head. They vary greatly in appearance among species but typically have black backgrounds with bronze or yellow bands. Some are spotted, however, and others are solid in color.

Their distinctive feature is that they are opisthoglyphous, which means their fangs are in the back of their heads.

Boiga snakes grow 2 to 3 feet long on average. They have large eyes and long, forked tongues.

Venom: How Dangerous Are They?

While venom toxicity levels may differ among various Boiga snake species, it is noteworthy that no known Boiga snakes possess venom that is considered lethal to humans.

Boigas are classed as mildly venomous. Venom toxicity, like other characteristics, varies among species, but there are no known Boiga snakes that have deadly venom. Some species, including the mangrove snake and brown tree snake, can cause swelling and pain when they bite.

Behavior and Humans

These snakes tend to be striking in size and color. For this reason, they are popular among people who keep exotic snakes as pets. They also make good pets because they are hardy, adaptable, and able to handle the stress of transportation well.

Boiga snakes are not aggressive, but they will bite if they are disturbed or threatened.

Striking Snakes

The Boiga genus includes many striking snakes with vivid coloring. These snakes are members of the Colubridae family, which is the largest of all snake families. Although they are classed as mildly venomous, it’s smart to avoid their bites, which can be painful.

View all 386 animals that start with B

Share on:
About the Author

Growing up in rural New England on a small scale farm gave me a lifelong passion for animals. I love learning about new wild animal species, habitats, animal evolutions, dogs, cats, and more. I've always been surrounded by pets and believe the best dog and best cat products are important to keeping our animals happy and healthy. It's my mission to help you learn more about wild animals, and how to care for your pets better with carefully reviewed products.

Boiga FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What is a Boiga?

Boiga is the name for a genus of snakes belonging to the Colubridae family.

Are Boiga snakes poisonous?

They are mildly poisonous. Their venom is strong enough to kill a small animal, but it is not strong enough to kill or harm a human.

Are Boigas venomous?

Yes, they are classed as mildly venomous. Their venom is not considered dangerous to humans. They are safe enough that they have become a popular pet among people who raise exotic snakes.

How do they hunt?

They are nocturnal hunters. They sleep in trees in the daytime and search for their prey at night. They use an ambush method to attack, bite and inject venom into their prey.

What type of food do they eat?

Boigas eat:
• Mice
Rats
• Voles
Lizards
• Birds
• Smaller snakes
In captivity, they eat the food offered by their owners. It is difficult to get them to eat a rodent-only diet, so people who keep them must give them a variety of food.

Are they aggressive?

No, they are not aggressive.

Where do they live?

Their native habitat is warm, humid, and arboreal. They live in the mangrove forests and lowland forests of Indonesia, Asia, and other parts of the world.

Can you survive a Boiga bite?

Yes, you can survive a Boiga bite.

Where do you find Boiga?

This snake is widespread in its territory. Boigas are abundant in forests, national parks, and other wild areas. You can also see them in zoos and private aquariums.

Can you own a Boiga as a pet?

Yes, you can. They make good pets because they are tough enough to survive transportation to a new location. It is important to create a habitat that mimics the snake’s preferred environment of dense tree foliage, warmth, and humidity.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.

Sources

Newly Added Animals

A Great White Shark
Great White Shark

Can grow to more than 8 meters long!

A Cobalt Blue Tarantula
Cobalt Blue Tarantula

Cobalt blue tarantulas spend most of their time in self-dug burrows and only emerge when it's time to eat

Most Recently Updated Animals

A Hedgehog
Hedgehog

Thought to be one of the oldest mammals on Earth!

A Dog
Dog

First domesticated in South-East Asia!

A Doberman Pinscher
Doberman Pinscher

A gentle, loyal and loving breed!