The Nature Protection Service (SEPRONA) of Elche has delivered a boa constrictor (Boa constrictor) to our Herpetology Department of Terra Natura Benidorm that had been seized from a private individual, after the specimen fell from a terrace to the public road.

The boa will remain temporarily in our facilities until the Administration determines a definitive location for it.

The Seprona agents contacted us to take in the boa constrictor until a new place is found for it. This snake is characterised by killing its prey by constriction, squeezing them with its body until it manages to strangle them, and can reach up to five metres in length.

As soon as it was transferred to Terra Natura Benidorm, the head of Herpetology, David Martí, proceeded to identify it as a species listed in the CITES II annex, the possession of which is prescribed for individuals by the recent animal welfare law.

The veterinarians carried out tests on the boa to confirm its state of health. They also took advantage of the veterinary check-up to fit it with a microchip so that it can be properly identified.

David Martí stressed that “these animals are hard to look after. Many parameters and factors must be taken into account to achieve a suitable habitat and degree of well-being for these snakes, so they should not be kept at home as if they were a pet”.

Our team of herpetologists has extensive experience in the handling and care of this species. These days, visitors will be able to see this boa constrictor in one of the terrariums located inside the volcano, in the Pangea area.

The seprona work with protected species

The Nature Protection Service (SEPRONA) of the Guardia Civil works permanently to guarantee the protection of flora and fauna species, in accordance with the different regulations from the local to the international level. The agents verify both that private individuals meet the mandatory requirements for the possession of specimens, and that the trade in the different species is carried out legally.

Illegal trade and possession of species can lead to administrative and criminal consequences for those responsible. In addition, it is dangerous when they are not provided with care and security measures appropriate to their special characteristics.