Madagascar ground boa (Acrantophis madagascariensis)
Snakes · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Madagascar ground boa (Acrantophis madagascariensis) (origin: Northern and eastern Madagascar – more humid forest). Adult size around 200–250 cm (occasionally up to 300 cm). Life expectancy 20–30 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Madagascar ground boa: How big does the enclosure need to be?
From 200×125×190 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, Madagascar ground boas over 1.5 m).
Madagascar ground boa: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 25–29 °C, basking spot 31 °C, at night 20–23 °C.
Madagascar ground boa: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Recommended.
Madagascar ground boa: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 20–30 years.
Madagascar ground boa: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 25–29 °C
- Night temperature
- 20–23 °C
- Basking spot
- 31 °C
- Humidity
- 65–80 %
- UVB
- Recommended
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- from 200×125×190 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, Madagascar ground boas over 1.5 m)
- Substrate
- Coco humus or bark mulch, large hides, a water basin
Feeding
- Food
- Frozen-thawed rats; larger animals take rabbits
- Feeding interval
- adults every 2–3 weeks
Key facts
- Adult size
- 200–250 cm (occasionally up to 300 cm)
- Life expectancy
- 20–30 years
- Origin
- Northern and eastern Madagascar – more humid forest
- Protection status
- CITES I (EU Annex A)
- Brumation
- A cooler spell of 6–8 weeks
- Cohabitation
- Keep them singly. Snakes are solitary and do not seek company — a shared hide is competition for the best spot, not social behaviour. The concrete reason is the feeding accident: if two animals grab the same food item, one can swallow the other along with it. On top of that, once they are kept together you can no longer tell which animal has eaten and which is losing weight. For breeding, put them together under supervision and separate them again afterwards.
Notes
Larger and more in need of humidity than Dumeril's boa. Likewise CITES I – without valid papers any trade is unlawful.
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Related species
- Dumeril's boa (Acrantophis dumerili) – Intermediate
- Malagasy tree boa (Sanzinia madagascariensis) – Intermediate
- Malagasy ground boa (Sanzinia volontany) – Intermediate
- Common egg-eating snake (Dasypeltis scabra) – Intermediate
- Northern water snake (Nerodia sipedon) – Intermediate
- Andean milk snake (Lampropeltis micropholis) – Intermediate
- Angolan python (Python anchietae) – Intermediate
- Argentine boa (Boa constrictor occidentalis) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Madagascar ground boa (Acrantophis madagascariensis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 200×125×190 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, Madagascar ground boas over 1.5 m)), substrate (Coco humus or bark mulch, large hides, a water basin), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 30 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/N%C3%B6rdliche_Madagaskarboa, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Acrantophis&species=madagascariensis
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).