Malagasy tree boa (Sanzinia madagascariensis)
Snakes · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Malagasy tree boa (Sanzinia madagascariensis) (origin: Eastern Madagascar – rainforest). Adult size around 120–180 cm. Life expectancy 20–25 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Malagasy tree boa: How big does the enclosure need to be?
From 135×90×135 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, Madagascar tree boas). Height.
Malagasy tree boa: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 25–29 °C, basking spot 30–31 °C, at night 20–23 °C.
Malagasy tree boa: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Recommended.
Malagasy tree boa: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 20–25 years.
Malagasy tree 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
- 30–31 °C
- Humidity
- 70–85 %
- UVB
- Recommended
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- from 135×90×135 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, Madagascar tree boas). Height
- Substrate
- Coco humus, sturdy horizontal climbing branches, dense planting
Feeding
- Food
- Frozen-thawed mice and rats
- Feeding interval
- adults every 2–3 weeks
Key facts
- Adult size
- 120–180 cm
- Life expectancy
- 20–25 years
- Origin
- Eastern Madagascar – rainforest
- Protection status
- CITES I (EU Annex A)
- Brumation
- None, a slight drop
- 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
An arboreal boa with heat pits on the lips. The young are brilliant red. CITES I – papers are essential.
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Related species
- Malagasy ground boa (Sanzinia volontany) – Intermediate
- Dumeril's boa (Acrantophis dumerili) – Intermediate
- Madagascar ground boa (Acrantophis madagascariensis) – 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 Malagasy tree boa (Sanzinia madagascariensis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 135×90×135 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, Madagascar tree boas). Height), substrate (Coco humus, sturdy horizontal climbing branches, dense planting), 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: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madagaskar-Hundskopfboa, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Sanzinia&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).