The herpetologists of the park have carried out an X-ray on the female and can confirm the existence of three gestational follicles.

The herpetologists at Terra Natura Benidorm have confirmed the pregnancy of an emerald boa (Corallus caninus) after performing an X-ray where the existence of three gestational follicles that house the future offspring has been seen. The team of experts had been trying for 15 years to reproduce this species, a process which is extremely difficult to achieve.

The couple of emerald boas that live in this park, dedicated to the conservation of biodiversity, started to mate in February. Keepers have been monitoring this phase where two copulations have been observed in February, another two in March, one in April and two in May. After this first phase and appreciating some swelling that was consistent with the state of pregnancy, it was decided to carry out an X-ray on the female to confirm the cause of this increase in size and verify the health status of the snake.

While taking the X-ray, the appearance of three follicles was determined and it is suspected that there may be even more, but due to her large size it has not been possible to specify yet. Being two metres long, the radiographic test could not be carried out along the entire body of the animal, so it is not ruled out that there may be some other follicle with more offspring inside the animal.

These boas are ovoviviparous, so they give birth to the babies alive. Hence, their gestation is so long and lasts up to seven months. It is a very complicated species when it comes to reproduce, because the environmental requirements they need are diverse and complex. The female is nine years old and the male is four years old.

The herpetologist and person in charge of the exhibition of poisonous creatures at Terra Natura Benidorm, David Martí, has mentioned that “we are very excited that everything is on the right track, and that the care we give to this species has favoured its pregnancy after so many years trying to make it happen ”. “We hope that in a few months we will be able to witness the birth of the babies, whose laying usually ranges between 9 and 15 on average,” added Martí.