THE PACIFIC BOAS

The genus Candoia comprises a group of small boa species found only in the south pacific islands. These islands include but are not limited to New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Fiji Islands & several Indonesian islands. All Candoia have an upturned rostral scale that resembles a hognose snake. In addition, all of these snakes have an overall venomous appearance with flattened triangular shaped heads and rounded sausage shaped bodies. Colors vary, but most Candoia are usually some shade of brown, tan or black. Several species show spectacluar colors such as reds, oranges, pinks & whites. The length of Candoia ranges from 20 Inches to 6 feet, and the diameter from 1 inch to 4 inches.

There should be at least 5 valid species of Candoia. Taxanomic review may show even more. The species are as follows:

• PACIFIC OR NEW GUINEA TREE BOA (Candoia carinata carinata)
• PACIFIC OR SOLOMON ISLANDS GROUND BOA (Candoia carinata paulsoni)
• PACIFIC OR SOLOMON ISLANDS TREE BOA (Candoia bibroni australis)
• FIJI BOA (Candoia bibroni bibroni)
• NEW GUINEA GROUND BOA OR VIPER BOA (Candoia aspera)

The Indonesian island of Halmahera is home to a newly found species of ground boa. White solomon ground boas may also deserve full species status.