Sanzinia

A small but fascinating group of boas native to Madagascar and includes just two recognized species: the Madagascar tree boa (Sanzinia madagascariensis) and the Nosy Komba ground boa (Sanzinia volontany). Both species are non-venomous constrictors, meaning they subdue prey by wrapping around it and squeezing rather than using venom. What makes Sanzinia particularly interesting is that these boas are part of Madagascar’s rich and highly specialized ecosystem, having evolved in isolation from other snakes found on mainland Africa and other parts of the world.

The most well-known species, Sanzinia madagascariensis, also called the Madagascar tree boa, is highly arboreal, spending much of its life in trees, while Sanzinia volontany is more terrestrial, preferring to stay closer to the ground in drier habitats like the western forests of Madagascar. Their coloration is one of their most distinctive features. The Madagascar tree boa is usually olive green to brown with dark blotches, making it blend well in rainforest canopies. In contrast, Sanzinia volontany often has a paler, more yellowish or tan background with similarly dark blotches, suiting the drier forests it inhabits.

One particularly fascinating trait of the Sanzinia genus is that both species give birth to live young, which is relatively common among boas but still notable for island-dwelling snakes. The young are brightly colored when born—often vivid orange or red—which helps them camouflage among forest litter or possibly serves as a warning to predators. Like other boas, Sanzinia species have heat-sensitive pits along their upper lips, allowing them to detect warm-blooded prey in the dark, such as rodents, birds, and small reptiles.