A small, secretive snake found in the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula, including countries like Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen. At first glance, it doesn’t look like your typical sleek, speedy snake. Instead, it has a short, stout body, a blunt head that looks almost the same as its tail, and tiny, almost hidden eyes. This unusual look makes it one of the most distinctive boas in the world, perfectly designed for a life spent under the sand. Its sandy-yellow to light brown coloration, often with faint patterns, blends in beautifully with the desert environment, making it nearly invisible when resting on or under the surface.

What really sets the Arabian sand boa apart is its burrowing lifestyle. Unlike tree-climbing boas or massive constrictors, this species spends most of its time hidden just beneath the desert sand, waiting to ambush prey. Its flat, rounded snout works like a shovel, letting it push easily through soft sand. Its eyes are placed on top of its head, allowing it to peek out while the rest of its body stays buried. When an unsuspecting lizard or small rodent passes by, the boa strikes quickly, pulling the prey beneath the sand to eat it. This ambush style of hunting is one of its defining traits and makes it very different from other snakes in its family.

Unlike the giant boas of South America, this desert species relies on stealth and surprise rather than brute strength. Its backward-curving teeth help it grip prey firmly, and while it’s non-venomous, it uses constriction to subdue small animals. Because of its odd shape and tiny eyes, locals sometimes call it the “two-headed snake,” since it’s difficult at first glance to tell which end is which.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Iran

2012

Iraq

2012

Presence Uncertain

Kuwait

2012

Oman

2012

Saudi Arabia

2012

Yemen

2012