(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species BOA, PUERTO RICO
Species Id ESIS154003
Date 14 MAR 96
TAXONOMY
NAME - BOA, PUERTO RICO
OTHER COMMON NAMES - BOA, PUERTO RICO; CULEBRON; BOA and PUERTO RICAN
ELEMENT CODE -
CATEGORY - Reptiles
PHYLUM AND SUBPHYLUM - CHORDATA,
CLASS AND SUBCLASS - REPTILIA,
ORDER AND SUBORDER - SQUAMATA,
FAMILY AND SUBFAMILY - BOIDAE,
GENUS AND SUBGENUS - EPICRATES,
SPECIES AND SSP - INORNATUS,
SCIENTIFIC NAME - EPICRATES INORNATUS
AUTHORITY -
TAXONOMY REFERENCES -
COMMENTS ON TAXONOMY -
Puerto Rico Boa
Epicrates inornatus Reinhardt, 1843
KINGDOM: Animal GROUP: Reptile
PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Reptilia
ORDER: Squamata FAMILY: Boidae
The Puerto Rican boa, or culebron, is the largest of the native
species of snakes on Puerto Rico, reaching a length of 1800-2000 mm
(6-7 ft.), although unverified reports claim that larger individuals
(9-11 ft.) have been observed (01,05). The color of live specimens is
somewhat variable (01,06) but usually ranges from tan to very dark
brown, sometimes grayish, with 70-80 dorsal blotches (indistinct
cross-bars) from neck to vent (01-03,06). Some specimens show hardly
any traces of spots on their dorsum (01-03). An irridescent sheen is
present in freshly molted individuals (01). Morphological diagnostic
characters of the species include more than nine dorsal head shields,
supraoculars, one-third as broad as frontals; ventrals 261-271;
subcaudals 67-75; scale rows at mid-body 38-42; and about 75 dark
spots in the dorsal row from head to vent (02). Morphological
variation between individuals exists regarding head shields, due to
break up of individual scales, rather than to differences in original
Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species BOA, PUERTO RICO
Species Id ESIS154003
Date 14 MAR 96
shape and proportions; nasals (divided vs. undivided); scale rows at
mid-body, ventrals and caudals (03).
Synomyms for the species in the literature include: Epicrates
inornatus (Reinhardt); Boa inornata Reinhardt, 1843; Chilabothrus
inornatus Jay, 1864; Cope, 1868; Peters 1876; Stahl, 1882; Garman,
1883; Chilobothrus inornatus Gundlach, 1881; Epicrates inornatus
Boulenger, 1893; Stejneger, 1901; and Piesigaster boettgeri Seone,
1881 (02-03,07).
Information regarding the species in the form of field notes,
and/or photographs, and/or collections of specimens are maintained by
the following: University Museum of Zoology (syntypes R.5597-5598,
R.55101) Copenhagen, Denmark; the Museum of Comparative Zoology
(MCZ 4645-4646, 4848) Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts;
the U.S. National Museum (USNM 27734, 27456), Washington, D.C.; in
Dr. Albert Schwartz Field Series, Collection (ASFS X4516) Miami Dade
Community College, Miami, FL.; Museo de Biologica (Dr. M.J. Velez)
Universidad de Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras, and in the collection of Dr.
J.A. Rivero, Biologica Universidad de Puerto Pico, Mayaguez.
Taxonomy - 2 (DRAFT) - Status
Species BOA, PUERTO RICO
Species Id ESIS154003
Date 14 MAR 96
STATUS
Coded Status
Puerto Rico; Federal Endangered
Puerto Rico; State Listed
E: Federal Endangered
Commercial/consumption
Game (Consumptive Recreational)
Ceremonial/Cultural
Medicinal
COMMENTS ON STATUS -
U.S. STATUSES AND LAWS:
The Puerto Rico boa (Epicrates inornatus) has been designated an
Endangered species pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (50
CFR 17.11; P.L. 93-205, 87 Stat. 884; 16 U.S.C. 1531-1540), as
amended. The species has this status wherever found including the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
This species is protected by the Lacey Act (P.L. 97-79, as
amended; 16 U.S.C. 3371 et seq.) which makes it unlawful to import,
export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase any wild
animal (alive or dead including parts, products, eggs, or offspring):
(1) in interstate or foreign commerce if taken, possessed,
transported or sold in violation of any State law or
regulation; or
(2) if taken or possessed in violation of any U.S. law,
treaty, or regulation or in violation of Indian tribal law.
It is also unlawful to possess any wild animal (alive or dead
including parts, products, eggs, and offspring) within the U.S.
territorial or special maritime jurisdiction (as defined in
18 U.S.C. 7) that is taken, possessed, transported, or sold in
violation of any State law or regulation, foreign law, or Indian
tribal law.
RESPONSIBLE FEDERAL AGENCIES:
USFWS -Responsible for the management/recovery, listing, and
law enforcement/protection of this species.
USFS -Responsible for the law enforcement/protection of this
species with applicable State and Federal laws on
public lands under their control. Also responsible
for management/recovery on Forest Service lands. The
Forest Service is responsible for integrating
management, protection, and conservation of Federally
listed species into the Forest Planning process
(36 CFR 219.19 and 219.20).
All Federal agencies have responsibility to ensure that any
action authorized, funded, or carried out by that agency is not likely
Status - 1 (DRAFT) - Status
Species BOA, PUERTO RICO
Species Id ESIS154003
Date 14 MAR 96
to jeopardize the continued existence of the species or result in the
destruction or adverse modification of Critical Habitat (50 CFR 402),
and to utilize their authorities to carry out programs for the
conservation of the species.
STATE STATUSES AND LAWS:
STATE: Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
DESIGNATED STATUS: Endangered
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: Department of Natural Resources
STATUTE: Regulation to Govern the Management of Threatened and
Endangered Species in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico,
1985
INTERNATIONAL STATUSES, TREATIES, AND AGREEMENTS:
The Puerto Rico boa is listed in Appendix I of the Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
(CITES) as of February 4, 1977. This species is also listed by the
Convention on Nature Protection and Wildlife Preservation in the
Western Hemisphere, 1970.
ECONOMIC STATUSES:
Historically and presently (illegally) utilized for medicinal and
spiritual purposes. Probably used as pets and food on occasion.
70/10/13:35 FR 16047/ - Listing as Endangered
75/05/16:40 FR 21499/21500 - Notice of intent; Critical Habitat
76/06/16:41 FR 24367/ - Proposed rule - CITES I
77/02/22:42 FR 10462/10488 - Final rule - CITES I
85/07/22:50 FR 29901/29909 - Five year review
Status - 2 HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS
HABITAT - TERRESTRIAL
TERRESTRIAL
LAND USE -
Deciduous Forest Land
Evergreen Forest Land
Mixed Forest Land
COMMENTS ON HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS -
The Puerto Rican boa is widely distributed on Puerto Rico (08)
and, although it is found in moist, wet, and rain forests (01,15), it
seems more abundant in the karst regions (mogotes-limestone hill
formations) found on the northern coast of the island (01,05,06).
Apparently their preferred habitat, the mogotes, provides such
features as wooded areas, rocky places (i.e., retreats), tree
cavities, caves, forests, and forest edges, which seem to be important
requirements of the boa (01,03,04,06). Besides rocks and trees,
access to openings in the forest canopy so that the boas may bask
in the sun is apparently another important habitat requirement (04).
Although specific environmental parameters and habitat components
that are required are not known. Information available suggests that
the species has relatively broad habitat requirements (04). Specimens
collected in broadly contrasting forest types (i.e., moist vs. xeric)
support the previous statement. According to the literature, the
habitat regions previously described contain semi-evergreen seasonal,
evergreen seasonal, and evergreen forests (14).
Habitat Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Food Habits
Species BOA, PUERTO RICO
Species Id ESIS154003
Date 14 MAR 96
FOOD HABITS
TROPHIC LEVEL -
CARNIVORE
LIFESTAGE FOOD FOOD PART
General Arthropods
General Reptilia
General Aves
General Mammalia
Food Habits - 1 (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
Species BOA, PUERTO RICO
Species Id ESIS154003
Date 14 MAR 96
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
G = General A = Adult
LIM = Limiting RA = Resting Adult
J = Juvenile FA = Feeding Adult
RJ = Resting Juvenile BA = Breeding Adult
FJ = Feeding Juvenile P = Pupae
L = Larvae E = Egg
RL = Resting Larvae
FL = Feeding Larvae
LIFESTAGE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
G Coastal Features: Vegetated offshore islands
G Terrestrial Features: Caves, dry
G Terrestrial Features: Downed logs
G Tree Cavities: Unknown
Environment Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species BOA, PUERTO RICO
Species Id ESIS154003
Date 14 MAR 96
LIFE HISTORY
FOOD HABITS:
A wide variety of mostly warm blooded prey is consumed by adult
boas (04). Prey taken by both adults and subadults include rats,
mice, birds, and bats (01,04,09,06).
The boa is nocturnal or crepuscular, like all other species of
Epicrates (11). Thus, the species becomes active and leaves its
diurnal retreat at night or twilight in search of prey (06). Prey is
apparently hunted in nearby trees (06) or from any suitable
structural component (i.e., rocks at a cave entrance) of their habitat
(09).
Juvenile boas are restricted to smaller prey than adults (04).
Lizards, large insects and small amphibians are probably included in
the diet of small boas (04). Lizards are readily taken by captive
specimens (04,10). Insects have been documented as prey (04).
Feeding habits of the very young are unknown (06).
No other details on food habits or food preferences are
available based on current information.
HOME RANGE/TERRITORY:
No information is available for this species.
PERIODICITY:
All species of Epicrates are decidedly nocturnal or crepuscular
(11). The Puerto Rican boa is active at night and remains dormant
throughout the day (04). Diurnal retreats include trees, caves, and
and rocky areas along streams (01,04).
Although boas may be active throughout the year, data indicates
that seasonal differences exist (04). In the Caribbean National
Forest, the period of maximum boa activity (March through June) is at
the time when temperatures, day length, and rainfall are increasing
(04).
MIGRATION PATTERNS:
Generally, this species is non-migratory; there is no movement
to and from other islands.
COVER/SHELTER REQUIREMENTS:
Information on specific cover/shelter requirements (i.e., retreat
dimension, percent cover) are not available. This species' biology
remains larglet undefined. However, shelter availability seems to be
an important habitat requirement, especially considering the species
is nocturnal and must be concealed during the day while inactive (11).
Shelters used during daytime resting include trees and caves (01,04),
rocky areas along streams (in:04), and manmade structures such as
abandoned buildings and piles of equipment which afford similar
protection (04).
REPRODUCTIVE SITE REQUIREMENTS:
No information is available for this species.
REPRODUCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS:
Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species BOA, PUERTO RICO
Species Id ESIS154003
Date 14 MAR 96
Reproductive information on the Puerto Rican boa is scarce (04).
Little is known about its breeding habits (01). Some reproductive
characteristics can be inferred from information available on
Epicrates and notes on E. inornatus specimens in collections or in
captivity. Most species of Epicrates in the West Indies mate from
February through April; parturition is usually in September or
October. Large females produceing large litters of small young, and
most forms reproduce biennially (12). This is supported somewhat by
data collected on specimens in collections. Gravid females with 17-32
embryos have been found (01,04,05,13). One, which was carrying 27
embryos, was found dead near El Verde on 28 July 1977 (04), and
another that copulated in captivity on 17 March 1931 had 32 embryos
when sacrificed on 20 July 1931 (13). Information previously
presented suggest that females give birth about six months after
mating and probably toward the end of the wet season, and probably
produce one clutch per year (04).
PARENTAL CARE:
Evidence of parental care in this species is scarce. Anecdotal
information exists on a captured female which was permitted to move
freely in a house. This specimen gave birth to 25 young, remained
close to them for 5-6 days, and then moved away (10). Whether such
behavior, or other forms of parental care exist in wild boas is unknown.
POPULATION BIOLOGY:
No information is available for this species.
SPECIES INTERRELATIONSHIPS:
Potential predators of the Puerto Rican boa include the Indian
mongoose (Herpestes auropunctatus), the feral cat (Felis domesticus),
the red-tailed hawk (Bueto jamaicensis), the pearly-eyed thrasher
(Margarops fuscatus), the red-legged thrush (Mimocichla plumbea), and
the Puerto Rican lizard cuckoo (Saurothera vieilloti).
Of the above, only the cat has been documented to prey on other
species of boa (i.e., Virgin Islands boa) (11). Study of mongoose
food habits in Puerto Rico and throughout the Caribbean have not
documented any predation on Puerto Rico boas (04). Hard evidence of
predation by other potential predators is lacking (04).
OTHER LIFE HISTORY DESCRIPTORS:
No other information is currently available.
Life History - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species BOA, PUERTO RICO
Species Id ESIS154003
Date 14 MAR 96
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
RESULT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE
Beneficial Maintaining undisturbed/undeveloped areas
Beneficial Restricting/regulating human use of habitats
Beneficial Reforestation
Beneficial Restricting Timber Harvest
Beneficial Maintaining Later Stages of Succession
Beneficial Maintaining Early Stages of Succession
Beneficial Restricting Poaching
Adverse Poaching
Existing Poaching
Adverse Commercial Exploitation
Existing Commercial Exploitation
Adverse Predation
Existing Predation
Adverse Exotic/Feral/Introducted Species
Existing Exotic/Feral/Introducted Species
Adverse Forest Alteration
Existing Forest Alteration
Adverse Harvesting
Existing Harvesting
COMMENTS ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES -
The present status of Epicrates inornatus has probably resulted
from the significant reduction of the species habitat, intensive
hunting, and predation by introduced mammals (04,06).
Historic records indicate the species was quite abundant during
the first two or three centuries of Spanish colonization (05). Oil
trade was thriving and the species was hunted intensively for its fat
(06). Deforestation was common, as land was claimed for agricultural
and industrial developments, bringing a significant reduction of
essential habitat (04,06). Little natural forest remained by 1900
(06). Introduction of potential predators, the Indian mongoose and
feral cats, may have compounded the effects on the boa (04). What
factor(s) played a major role is unknown. Most likely, a combination
of factors have been responsible for the species rareness.
The boa has recovered somewhat (06) as land has been returned to
forest and adequate habitats have increased. Two factors which have
been responsible for decline of the species, loss of habitat and human
interference, are still major threats (04). Increased developments
in areas contiguous to forest lands, and increased recreational
activities within important forest habitats could represent potential
threats to the species in the future (04). Illegal hunting (06,01)
for oil or the pet trade could threaten the species if adequate
protection measures are not eventually enacted.
APPROVED PLAN:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1986. Recovery Plan for the Puerto
Rico Boa (Epicrates inornatus). U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species BOA, PUERTO RICO
Species Id ESIS154003
Date 14 MAR 96
Atlanta, GA.
At present there is no approved Recovery Plan for the Puerto Rico
boa. The Puerto Rico Department of Natural Resources was contracted
to do the Plan. An agency draft has been submitted with final
approval by the US Fish and Wildlife Service due on March 30, 1986.
Actions recommended for recovery of this species include:
1. Restricting poaching.
2. Restricting timber harvesting.
3. Conduct population status surveys.
4. Determine habitat preferences and needs.
5. Public education.
6. Habitat revegetation.
The only ongoing recovery effort is the preparation of the
recovery plan.
Management Practices - 2 (DRAFT) - References
Species BOA, PUERTO RICO
Species Id ESIS154003
Date 14 MAR 96
References
***** REFERENCES FOR ALL NARRATIVES EXCEPT N-OCCURRENCE *****
01 Rivero, J.A. 1978. The amphibians and reptiles of Puerto Rico.
Editorial Universitaria. Universidad de Puerto Rico. Mayaguez,
Puerto Rico. 152 pp and 49 plates.
02 Schmidt, K.P. 1928. Amphibians and land reptiles of Puerto Rico,
with a list of those reported from the Virgin Islands. Sci. Surv.
Puerto Rico and Virgin Is. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 19(1)1-160. 52 figs.,
4 pls.
03 Stejneger, L. 1904. The herpetology of Puerto Rico. Report U.S.
Nat. Mus. 1902:549-724.
04 Regan, D. and C. Zucca. 1982. Inventory of the Puerto Rican
boa (Epicrates inornatus) in the Caribbean NF. Report to USFS.
Atlanta, GA. 42 pp.
05 Perez-Rivera, R.A. y M.A. Velez, Jr. 1978. Notes sobre algunas
culebras de Puerto Rico. Sci.-Ciencia 6(1):68-73.
06 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1979. Puerto Rican boa. Red
Data Book. Endangered species office.
07 Schwartz, A. and R. Thomas. 1975. A checklist of West Indian
amphibians and reptiles. Spec. Publ. Carnegie Mus. Nat. Hist.
1:1-216.
08 Sheplan, B.R. and Schwartz, A. 1974. Hisponolan boas of the genus
Epicrates (Serpentes, Boidae) and their Antillean relationship.
Ann. Carnegie Mus. 45(5):102.
09 Rodriguez, G. and D. Regan. 1984. Bat predation by the Puerto
Rican boa, Epicrates inornatus. Copeia (1):219-220.
10 Ortiz, P.R. Box 4332, San Juan Station; San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Personal observation of captive feeding Puerto Rican boas, August
1977. And observations of a litter in captivity in April 1982.
11 Tolson, P.J. and J.L. Pinero. Ms. A field report on the status of
the Virgin Islands boa, Epicrates monensis granti, on Cayo Diablo,
Puerto Rico report to the D.N.R. Sci. Res. Area. 1985. 13p.
12 Tolson, P.J. 1984. The ecology of the boid genus Epicrates in the
West Indies. Abstract: Fifth Ecology Symposium. Universidad del
Turabo. Depto. Ciencias y Technologia.
13 Grant, C. 1932. Notes on boas of Puerto Rico and Mona. J. Dept.
Agric. Puerto Rico. 16:327-329.
14 Beard, J.S. 1944. Climax vegetation in tropical America.
Ecology. 25(2):127-158.
15 Ewel, J.J. and J.L. Whitmore. 1973. The ecological life zones
of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. USFS Res. Pap. ITF-18:1-72.
***** REFERENCES FOR N-OCCURRENCE NARRATIVE ONLY *****
01 Schwartz, A. and R. Thomas. 1975. A checklist of West Indian
amphibians and reptiles. Spec. Publ. Carnegie Mus. Nat. Hist.
1:1-216.
02 Rivero, J.A. 1978. Los amfibios y reptiles de Puerto Rico.
Universidad de Puerto Rico. Editorial Univ., Mayaguez, Puerto
Rico.
References - 1 (DRAFT) - References
Species BOA, PUERTO RICO
Species Id ESIS154003
Date 14 MAR 96
03 Schmidt, K.P. 1928. Amphibians and land reptiles of Puerto Rico,
with a list of those reported from the Virgin Islands. Sci. Surv.
Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 10(1):1-160.
04 Stejneger, L. 1904. The herpetology of Puerto Rico. Report U.S.
Nat. Mus. 1902:549-724.
05 Philibosian, R. and J. Intema. 1977. Annotated checklist of the
birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians of the Virgin Islands and
Puerto Rico. Information Services; St. Croix, VI. 48 pp.
06 Regan, D.P. and C. Zucca. 1982. Inventory of the Puerto Rican
boa (Epicrates inornatus) in the Caribbean NF. Report to USFS.
Atlanta, GA. 42 pp.
07 Perez-Rivera, R.A. y M.A. Velez, Jr. 1978. Notes sobre algunas
culebras de Puerto Rico. Sci.-Ciencia 6(1):68-73.
08 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1979. Puerto Rican boa. Red
Data Book. Endangered species office.
References - 2