B
Species Profile

Boiga

Boiga

Big-eyed night hunters in the trees
Kurit afshen/Shutterstock.com

Boiga Distribution

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Invasive Species
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At a Glance

Genus Overview This page covers the Boiga genus as a group. Stats below are general traits shared across the genus.
Also Known As cat snake, cat-eyed snake, cat-eyed tree snake, tree snake, rear-fanged tree snake
Diet Carnivore
Activity Nocturnal+
Lifespan 10 years
Weight 2 lbs
Status Not Evaluated
Did You Know?

The "cat snake" nickname comes from their large eyes and often vertical pupils-catlike features useful for night hunting.

Scientific Classification

Genus Overview "Boiga" is not a single species but represents an entire genus containing multiple species.

Boiga is a genus of rear-fanged colubrid snakes (“cat snakes”), typically nocturnal and arboreal, with large eyes and a slender body. Many species possess mild to moderate venom delivered via rear fangs and primarily prey on lizards, frogs, birds, and small mammals.

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Reptilia
Order
Squamata
Family
Colubridae
Genus
Boiga

Distinguishing Features

  • Slender, often arboreal body form with long tail
  • Large eyes (adapted for nocturnal activity)
  • Rear-fanged (opisthoglyphous) dentition in many species
  • Predatory on small vertebrates; many are adept climbers

Physical Measurements

Males and females differ in size

Length
♂ 4 ft 11 in (1 ft 12 in – 9 ft 10 in)
♀ 3 ft 11 in (1 ft 8 in – 9 ft 10 in)
Weight
♂ 1 lbs (0 lbs – 4 lbs)
♀ 1 lbs (0 lbs – 4 lbs)
Tail Length
♂ 1 ft 6 in (5 in – 3 ft 5 in)
♀ 1 ft 2 in (5 in – 2 ft 11 in)
Top Speed
6 mph
Short bursts ~5–10 km/h
Venomous

Appearance

Primary Colors
Secondary Colors
Skin Type Smooth, glossy overlapping scales (typical colubrid scalation), giving a sleek, slender appearance; head scales and body scales often appear polished under light. Body is laterally compressed to semi-compressed in many arboreal forms, aiding climbing.
Distinctive Features
  • Genus-level size range (smallest to largest species): roughly ~60 cm to ~300 cm total length; many species commonly fall around ~1-2 m, with tails proportionally long in arboreal forms.
  • Build: slender, agile, and typically long-tailed; many species appear laterally compressed, an adaptation for arboreal movement.
  • Head/eyes: relatively large head with very large eyes and vertical pupils ("cat-like" look), strongly associated with nocturnal/crepuscular habits.
  • Dentition/venom delivery: rear-fanged (opisthoglyphous) with mild to moderate venom in many species; potency and medical significance vary substantially among species-avoid assuming uniform danger across the genus.
  • Ecology generalization (with variation noted): predominantly nocturnal and arboreal, often resting in vegetation by day and foraging at night; some species are more generalist/semi-arboreal and may hunt near ground level or around human structures.
  • Diet generalization (with variation noted): many take lizards and frogs; numerous species also prey on birds (including nestlings/eggs) and small mammals-prey emphasis varies by species, habitat, and body size.
  • Geographic breadth: genus spans broad parts of South, Southeast, and East Asia into parts of Australasia, with coloration and pattern often matching local forest types (rainforest, monsoon forest, mangroves, plantations).
  • Defensive display tendencies (common but variable): may inflate/flatten the neck/body, form tight S-curves, strike readily, and use camouflage; some species show bold warning contrast when threatened.
  • Ontogenetic variation: juveniles in some species can be more sharply banded/contrasting than adults, though this is not universal across the genus.
  • Overall appearance diversity: within-genus color/pattern ranges from subtle bark-like browns/greys to high-contrast black-and-yellow banding; both cryptic and conspicuous morphs occur depending on species and locality.
  • Boiga cat snakes usually live about 6 to 15 years in the wild (varies by species; there is little data). In captivity some live about 15 to 20+ years with good care.

Sexual Dimorphism

Sexual dimorphism is often subtle and variable among Boiga species. Differences, when present, are more frequently proportional (tail length, body robustness, head size) than strongly color-based; some species show little to no obvious external dimorphism without close measurement.

♂
  • Often slightly longer tails relative to total length (typical of many snakes), reflecting hemipenes and associated anatomy; degree varies by species.
  • May appear a bit more slender in some species/populations, though overlap with females is common.
  • In some taxa, males may have proportionally larger heads, but this is not consistent across the genus.
♀
  • Often more robust-bodied at similar lengths, especially when gravid; extent varies by species and season.
  • May attain slightly greater average body mass (and sometimes length) in some species, but this is not universal across Boiga.
  • External coloration/pattern typically similar to males in many species; any sex-linked color differences are inconsistent across the genus.

Did You Know?

The "cat snake" nickname comes from their large eyes and often vertical pupils-catlike features useful for night hunting.

Boiga are rear-fanged: venom is delivered from enlarged teeth near the back of the mouth, usually during a chewing bite.

Across the genus, diets commonly include lizards, frogs, birds, eggs, and small mammals-some species lean strongly toward bird/egg prey.

Several species are masters of the canopy, moving with slow, deliberate precision along branches and vines.

Boiga coloration is highly diverse: from plain browns to vivid greens and bold banding, reflecting different habitats and camouflage needs.

One Boiga species, the brown tree snake (Boiga irregularis), became infamous after being introduced to Guam, where it caused major ecological disruption.

Unique Adaptations

  • Large eyes and low-light vision: a hallmark of many species, supporting nocturnal activity and precise strikes in dim light.
  • Slender, laterally compressible bodies: helps maneuver through foliage and narrow branch networks, improving arboreal stability.
  • Rear-fanged venom system (Duvernoy's gland): effective for subduing prey such as lizards, birds, and frogs; potency and medical relevance vary across species.
  • Camouflage diversity: greens for leafy canopies, browns for bark and leaf litter, and banding/blotches that break up outline among shadows and branches.
  • Climbing performance: strong axial musculature and flexible ribs allow secure gripping and controlled bridging between branches.

Interesting Behaviors

  • Nocturnal ambush and active foraging: many Boiga hunt at night along branches, shrubs, and walls; some populations can be crepuscular or occasionally active by day.
  • Arboreal stalking: slow, controlled approach followed by a quick strike; many will hold prey and work it into the rear of the mouth to engage rear fangs.
  • Diet flexibility with specialization: while the genus broadly eats frogs, lizards, birds, eggs, and small mammals, some species (or local populations) are notably bird/egg-focused while others take more amphibians or geckos.
  • Defensive displays vary: common responses include flattening the neck/body, S-shaped striking posture, repeated strikes, and vigorous thrashing; intensity varies by species and individual.
  • Use of human-modified habitats: some species readily hunt around houses, farms, and plantations where geckos, rodents, and roosting birds are abundant.
  • Reproduction is generally egg-laying (oviparous); clutch sizes vary widely across species and with female size, commonly ranging from a few eggs to well over a dozen.

Cultural Significance

In South and Southeast Asia, cat snakes (Boiga) are named for catlike eyes and night habits near homes, gardens, and forest edges. They can be mildly to moderately venomous but help control pests. Boiga shows rear-fanged colubrid diversity; Guam's brown tree snake raised invasive species, biosecurity, and island conservation concerns.

Myths & Legends

In many Asian communities, cat snakes (Boiga) are called "catlike" because of their eyes and night activity; stories and nicknames portray them as stealthy night watchers in trees and on roofs.

Southeast Asian rural superstition (reported in local storytelling): some tales describe "cat snakes" as making catlike sounds at night or being linked with mysterious nighttime calls-an association that reinforces their reputation as uncanny nocturnal animals.

On Guam, the brown tree snake's arrival and spread became a modern warning story: a hidden stowaway that, in stories, shows how one new predator can wipe out island birds and even cause power outages.

Conservation Status

NE Not Evaluated (genus-level; IUCN assessments are typically conducted at the species level, and Boiga species span multiple Red List categories)

Has not yet been evaluated against the criteria.

Population Unknown

Protected Under

  • Varies by jurisdiction: many range countries extend general protections to native wildlife (including snakes) under national/regional wildlife acts, with enforcement and species coverage inconsistent.
  • Protected areas (national parks, forest reserves) provide important indirect protection for multiple Boiga species where intact forest habitat is conserved.

Looking for a specific species?

Common cat snake

Boiga trigonata

Featured because it is literally and widely known by the English common name "common cat snake." Genus-wide ranges & generalizations (Boiga, "cat snakes")-acknowledging diversity across ~dozens of species: - Measurements (entire genus, total length): typically ~0.6-3.0 m from the smallest to the largest species (most commonly ~1-2 m); body is generally slender with proportionally large eyes. - Lifespan (range across species): commonly ~8-20 years, with some individuals living 15-20+ years in captivity; wild longevity is often lower and variable by species and region. - Behavior/ecology (common patterns with variation): many are nocturnal/crepuscular and strongly arboreal, but some species are more terrestrial or edge-habitat oriented; diets often center on lizards and frogs, with many species also taking birds/eggs and small mammals; most are rear-fanged with venom that is often mild to moderate for humans, but potency/medical significance varies among species and by bite circumstances; reproduction is generally oviparous, with clutch sizes varying by species and female size.

  • Nocturnal to crepuscular hunter often encountered in scrub, woodland edges, and human-modified habitats across parts of the Indian subcontinent.
  • Rear-fanged (opisthoglyphous) colubrid; bites are usually of low medical significance but can cause local effects-handling still warrants caution.
  • Diet commonly includes lizards and small mammals; may also take frogs and small birds depending on local availability.
  • Typically a slender, agile climber, but may also forage on the ground (degree of arboreality varies with habitat).

You might be looking for:

Brown tree snake

25%

Boiga irregularis

Notorious invasive species on Guam; arboreal nocturnal predator.

View Profile

Common cat snake

18%

Boiga trigonata

Widespread South Asian cat snake; nocturnal, often near human habitations.

Green cat snake

16%

Boiga cyanea

Slender, often bright green arboreal species in Southeast Asia.

Mangrove cat snake

16%

Boiga dendrophila

Striking black-and-yellow species associated with mangroves and lowland forests.

View Profile

Banded cat snake

10%

Boiga multomaculata

Southeast Asian species with banded/blotched patterning; arboreal habits.

Life Cycle

Birth 8 hatchlings
Lifespan 10 years

Lifespan

In the Wild 4–20 years
In Captivity 8–30 years

Reproduction

Mating System Promiscuity
Social Structure Solitary
Breeding Pattern Transient
Fertilization Internal Fertilization
Birth Type Internal_fertilization

Boiga (cat snakes) are solitary, mostly nocturnal, often arboreal snakes. They mate briefly and often with multiple partners, with internal fertilization. No pair bonds or parental care: females lay and leave eggs. Clutch size and season vary by species.

Behavior & Ecology

Social None (typically solitary) Group: 1
Activity Nocturnal, Crepuscular, Cathemeral
Diet Carnivore Across the genus, lizards are the most consistently taken prey, with many species also frequently targeting birds/nestlings and eggs when available.

Temperament

Generally secretive and avoidance-oriented; many rely on stillness and camouflage when undisturbed
Often defensive when threatened or handled: neck/body flattening, S-shaped striking posture, and repeated biting may occur; intensity varies among species and individuals
Predominantly arboreal ambush/active-foraging tendencies with variation by species (some more scansorial/terrestrial); boldness may increase in human-modified habitats where prey is abundant
Rear-fanged venom is present in many species and typically used for subduing prey; effects and delivery efficiency vary across the genus, influencing how persistent/defensive an individual may appear during encounters

Communication

Hissing Common defensive signal across the genus
Chemical communication via tongue-flicking and pheromones (mate finding, reproductive status, and individual recognition cues); likely primary long-range modality across Boiga
Tactile cues during courtship (body alignment, chin rubbing, coiling) and during male-male encounters where they occur
Visual/positional displays: body flattening, head elevation, and orientation changes that serve as threat displays; effectiveness and frequency vary among species
Substrate/branch vibration and sudden movement as deterrent signals in arboreal settings More situational than fixed 'social' signaling

Habitat

Biomes:
Tropical Rainforest Tropical Dry Forest Savanna Temperate Forest Freshwater Wetland
Terrain:
Mountainous Hilly Plateau Plains Valley Coastal Island Riverine Karst Rocky +4
Elevation: Up to 8202 ft 1 in

Ecological Role

Arboreal-to-semiarboreal nocturnal mesopredators across tropical/subtropical ecosystems (forests, edges, plantations, and human-modified habitats in some species), linking lower-vertebrate prey populations to higher predators; diet breadth and prey emphasis vary markedly among species and regions.

Regulation of lizard and amphibian populations Local control of small mammals (in species/size classes that take rodents) Influences bird nesting success via predation on eggs/nestlings (important ecological impact in some systems) Energy transfer within forest canopies and edge habitats as mid-level predators

Diet Details

Main Prey:
Lizards Frogs and other small amphibians Birds Bird eggs Small mammals Small snakes

Human Interaction

Domestication Status

Wild

Boiga (cat snakes) have no true domestication history. Humans meet them mostly through the pet trade (some species sometimes captive-bred, many wild-caught), wildlife conflict (entering homes, eating poultry, fear and killing), bite incidents (rear-fanged; venom effects vary), and conservation and invasive-species control, notably the brown tree snake (Boiga irregularis).

Danger Level

Low
  • Rear-fanged envenomation: typically localized pain and swelling, but severity varies by species and individual; prolonged bites can deliver more venom.
  • Medically significant bites occur in some species; allergic reactions and secondary infection are possible with any snakebite.
  • Handling risk: many species are fast, defensive, and prone to biting when restrained; they may bite repeatedly and "chew," increasing venom delivery.
  • Indirect risk: some species (in certain regions) are major invasive predators causing ecological damage and associated economic/public-health management burdens (e.g., power outages and biodiversity impacts in invaded areas).
  • Risk variation across the genus is substantial: many species pose low-to-moderate medical risk, while a minority can cause more serious clinical effects.

As a Pet

Not Suitable as Pet

Legality: Laws vary widely by country or state. Many places limit taking native wildlife, control import/export (CITES may apply), and treat rear-fanged snakes as venomous. Some species need permits; others are banned.

Care Level: Experienced

Purchase Cost: $50 - $1,200
Lifetime Cost: $1,500 - $8,000

Economic Value

Uses:
Pet/animal trade (limited, species-dependent) Public-sector biosecurity and invasive-species control costs (species-dependent; can be very large where invasive) Research/education (venom, ecology, invasion biology) Ecosystem services (localized pest control of small vertebrates, but also predation on native birds/reptiles)
Products:
  • Live animals (captive-bred or wild-caught, depending on species and regulation)
  • Educational display/interpretation value in zoos and nature centers
  • Scientific data/insights (rear-fanged venom systems, nocturnal arboreal predation, invasion impacts)

Relationships

Predators 8

King cobra Ophiophagus hannah
Banded krait Bungarus fasciatus
Reticulated python Malayopython reticulatus
Water monitor Varanus salvator
Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela
Barn owl Tyto alba
Common palm civet Paradoxurus hermaphroditus
Small Indian mongoose Urva auropunctata

Related Species 8

Common cat snake Boiga trigonata Shared Genus
Brown tree snake Boiga irregularis Shared Genus
Mangrove cat snake Boiga dendrophila Shared Genus
Green cat snake Boiga cyanea Shared Genus
Vine snakes Ahaetulla Shared Family
Flying snakes Chrysopelea Shared Genus
Bronzeback tree snakes Dendrelaphis Shared Genus
Wolf snakes Lycodon Shared Genus

Ecological Equivalents 6

Animals that fill a similar ecological role in their ecosystem

Blunt-headed tree snake Imantodes cenchoa Nocturnal, slender, highly arboreal predator that often takes sleeping lizards and frogs; functionally similar to the 'thin-branch hunter' niche (New World analog).
Cat-eyed snake Leptodeira annulata Nocturnal, rear-fanged (opisthoglyphous) colubrid with large eyes and a diet focused on amphibians and lizards; ecologically similar despite occurring in different geographic regions.
Asian vine snake Ahaetulla prasina Arboreal, visually oriented predator that uses branches as ambush platforms; overlaps in habitat use and in predation on lizards and birds, though it is typically more diurnal than many Boiga species.
Paradise flying snake Chrysopelea paradisi Arboreal Southeast Asian colubrid that frequently hunts in the forest canopy and at edges, preying on geckos, birds, and bats; shares a tree-dwelling predatory role.
Painted bronzeback Dendrelaphis pictus Slender, fast, arboreal to semiarboreal hunter that overlaps in habitat and prey (lizards and frogs), but is generally more diurnal and non-venomous.
Brown vine snake Oxybelis aeneus Arboreal sit-and-wait predator with a lizard and bird diet; convergent body plan and hunting mode (New World analog).

Types of Boiga

25

Explore 25 recognized types of boiga

Common cat snake Boiga trigonata
Brown tree snake Boiga irregularis
Green cat snake Boiga cyanea
Mangrove (gold-ringed) cat snake Boiga dendrophila
Dog-toothed cat snake Boiga cynodon
Painted cat snake Boiga drapiezii
Forsten's cat snake Boiga forsteni
Beddome's cat snake Boiga beddomei
Sri Lankan cat snake Boiga ceylonensis
Barnes' cat snake Boiga barnesii
Indian cat snake Boiga gocool
Jasper cat snake Boiga jaspidea
Taiwan cat snake Boiga kraepelini
Black cat snake Boiga melanota
Many-spotted cat snake Boiga multomaculata
Black-headed cat snake Boiga nigriceps
Ochraceous cat snake Boiga ochracea
Philippine cat snake Boiga philippina
Powdered cat snake Boiga pulverulenta
Speckled cat snake Boiga quincunciata
Siamese cat snake Boiga siamensis
Westermann's cat snake Boiga westermanni
Tanahjampea cat snake Boiga tanahjampeana
Wallach's cat snake Boiga wallachi
Saengsom's cat snake Boiga saengsomi
👁 Boiga snakes are a diverse group of snakes known for their adaptability, with over 50 species found across various habitats, primarily in Southeast Asia, India, and Australia.
Boiga snakes are a diverse group of snakes known for their adaptability, with over 50 species found across various habitats, primarily in Southeast Asia, India, and Australia.

The Boiga is a genus of snakes that are members of the Colubridae family.

They are native to Asia, Australia, and India, but they have spread to many other parts of the world. These snakes are highly adaptable and able to survive in many varied environments. Boiga snakes are mildly venomous.

3 Fun Facts About Boiga Snakes

👁 Boiga snake

Due to their large eyes, these snakes are commonly referred to as cat snakes or cat-eyed snakes.

©Kurit afshen/Shutterstock.com

• Because of their big eyes, they are also known as cat snakes or cat-eyed snakes.
• Despite being venomous, they are popular as exotic pets.
• There are more than 50 species of Boiga, and there are hundreds of sub-species.

Where To Find Them

👁 Where Do Snakes Live

Boigas thrive in warm and humid habitats, yet their remarkable adaptability allows them to thrive in various environments, contributing to their widespread population within their range.

©Kurit afshen/Shutterstock.com

Boigas prefer a warm, humid habitat, but they are highly adaptable. Their hardiness has ensured they are well-populated in their range.

Members of this genus make good zoo exhibits because they tend to be large and vividly colored. One example is Boiga dendrophila divergence, also known as the Luzon mangrove snake or the gold-ringed cat snake. It is a striking snake with shiny, smooth black scales and vivid yellow bands. This snake is at the Buffalo Zoo.

This snake species is part of a breeding nursery at the Moscow Zoo.

Boiga melanota, the western mangrove cat snake, is native to Thailand and one of the species that live in areas protected by national parks in Thailand. This snake is known for its glossy black background and large yellow bands. It is one of the biggest cat snake species in Asia. These national parks are also home to Boiga dendrophila divergens and several other cat snakes.

The green cat snake (Boiga cyanea) is a bright green snake with dark blue or black patches. This is another common, widespread member of the Boiga family. Boiga cyanea is native to most of Indonesia.

Scientific Name

👁 Boiga snake

The Boiga snake encompasses a diverse group of snakes, with over 50 known species identified to date.

©DSlight_photography/Shutterstock.com

Since Boiga is a genus and not a specific species of snake, the name Boiga covers many different snakes.

There are more than 50 species of Boiga snake, and they include:

• Boiga andamanensis: Andaman cat snake
• Boiga angulata: Leyte cat snake
• Boiga barnesii: Barnes’ cat snake
• Boiga nigriceps: Black-headed cat snake
• Boiga blandinii: Blanding’s tree snake
• Boiga siamensis: Gray cat snake
• Boiga ochracea: Tawny cat snake
• Boiga ceylonensis: Sri Lanka cat snake
• Boiga cyanea: Green cat snake
• Boiga cynodon: Dog-toothed cat snake
• Boiga dendrophila divergens: Gold-ringed cat snake, mangrove snake

Evolution and Origins

The Boiga genus comprises species that are indigenous to Southeast Asia, India, and Australia, but their remarkable resilience and adaptability have enabled them to establish populations in numerous other suitable habitats worldwide.

Originating from Papua New Guinea, the brown tree snake inadvertently made its way to Guam in the 1940s as a result of unintentional introduction through U.S. military transportation following World War II.

Reportedly, this snake sustains itself by preying on lizards, small birds, their eggs, and small mammals, while its venom is generally classified as mild in terms of potency.

Population and Conservation Status

The snake is classed as “least concern” for conservation status by the IUCN Redlist.

One species of Boiga snake, the brown tree snake (Boiga irregularis) has become a highly invasive pest after being introduced to the island of Guam. The snake was introduced to the island by accident, and it wreaked havoc on the island’s ecology and economy. The snakes have no natural predators on the island, and they have destroyed many native species of birds, mammals, and reptiles.

These snakes have decimated local rodent populations, which means trees and plants are slow to germinate. These trees depend on rodents to pollinate their seeds.

Since 2010, the Guam and United States governments have been using “mouse bombs,” which are dead mice filled with acetaminophen, a pain reliever that is deadly to snakes. Airplanes fly overhead and drop the poisoned mice onto areas populated by the snakes.

The government also employs snake detection dogs who inspect all cargo that leaves Guam. Authorities want to make sure other islands don’t get any brown tree snakes that could have the same impact. These dog teams and their handlers work 24-hour shifts to inspect every item before it leaves the island.

In 2021, conservationists reported that these efforts were finally having some effect. Brown tree snake populations have declined. The work is ongoing, however. In 2021, the U.S. government authorized $4 million to fight the brown tree snake problem.

How To Identify: Appearance and Description

👁 Image

Dog-toothed Cat Snake (Boiga cynodon) is a snake endemic to South East Asia.

©Lauren Suryanata/Shutterstock.com

The Boiga, also known as the cat snake, is a long, slender snake with a large head. They vary greatly in appearance among species but typically have black backgrounds with bronze or yellow bands. Some are spotted, however, and others are solid in color.

Their distinctive feature is that they are opisthoglyphous, which means their fangs are in the back of their heads.

Boiga snakes grow 2 to 3 feet long on average. They have large eyes and long, forked tongues.

Venom: How Dangerous Are They?

👁 Image

While venom toxicity levels may differ among various Boiga snake species, it is noteworthy that no known Boiga snakes possess venom that is considered lethal to humans.

©Fernandha Theory/Shutterstock.com

Boigas are classed as mildly venomous. Venom toxicity, like other characteristics, varies among species, but there are no known Boiga snakes that have deadly venom. Some species, including the mangrove snake and brown tree snake, can cause swelling and pain when they bite.

Behavior and Humans

These snakes tend to be striking in size and color. For this reason, they are popular among people who keep exotic snakes as pets. They also make good pets because they are hardy, adaptable, and able to handle the stress of transportation well.

Boiga snakes are not aggressive, but they will bite if they are disturbed or threatened.

Striking Snakes

The Boiga genus includes many striking snakes with vivid coloring. These snakes are members of the Colubridae family, which is the largest of all snake families. Although they are classed as mildly venomous, it’s smart to avoid their bites, which can be painful.

View all 452 animals that start with B

Boiga Pictures

View all of our Boiga pictures in the gallery.

👁 View Gallery

Kurit afshen/Shutterstock.com

Sources

  1. Wikipedia: Boiga.
  2. Reptile database: Boiga dendrophila divergens.
  3. Rebecca Morelle, BBC News: Battling the Brown Tree Snake in Guam.

About the Author

Austin S.

Growing up in rural New England on a small scale farm gave me a lifelong passion for animals. I love learning about new wild animal species, habitats, animal evolutions, dogs, cats, and more. I've always been surrounded by pets and believe the best dog and best cat products are important to keeping our animals happy and healthy. It's my mission to help you learn more about wild animals, and how to care for your pets better with carefully reviewed products.
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Boiga FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Boiga is the name for a genus of snakes belonging to the Colubridae family.

They are mildly poisonous. Their venom is strong enough to kill a small animal, but it is not strong enough to kill or harm a human.

Yes, they are classed as mildly venomous. Their venom is not considered dangerous to humans. They are safe enough that they have become a popular pet among people who raise exotic snakes.

They are nocturnal hunters. They sleep in trees in the daytime and search for their prey at night. They use an ambush method to attack, bite and inject venom into their prey.

Boigas eat:
• Mice
• Rats
• Voles
• Lizards
• Birds
• Smaller snakes
In captivity, they eat the food offered by their owners. It is difficult to get them to eat a rodent-only diet, so people who keep them must give them a variety of food.

No, they are not aggressive.

Their native habitat is warm, humid, and arboreal. They live in the mangrove forests and lowland forests of Indonesia, Asia, and other parts of the world.

Yes, you can survive a Boiga bite.

This snake is widespread in its territory. Boigas are abundant in forests, national parks, and other wild areas. You can also see them in zoos and private aquariums.

Yes, you can. They make good pets because they are tough enough to survive transportation to a new location. It is important to create a habitat that mimics the snake’s preferred environment of dense tree foliage, warmth, and humidity.