The Amazon Tree Boa (Corallus hortulanus), commonly known in Tobago as the Mango Snake, Cascabel, or Brown Tree Boa, is an arboreal species renowned for its striking colouration and remarkable adaptability. Indigenous to South America, this species has also established populations in Tobago, reflecting the island’s rich ecological tapestry.
Preferring forested habitats, the Amazon Tree Boa spends much of its life in trees and shrubs, relying on its prehensile tail for climbing and maneuvering among branches. Primarily nocturnal, it hunts small mammals, birds, and occasionally reptiles, utilizing specialized heat-sensing pits to detect prey even in darkness. Adults typically measure between 1.2 and 2 meters in length and display a wide range of hues, from deep brown to vibrant orange-red.
Despite its formidable appearance, the Amazon Tree Boa is non-venomous and poses minimal threat to humans. Its presence in Tobago underscores the island’s biodiversity and highlights the importance of preserving native forest ecosystems.