Kaleidoscopic tree boas: the genus Corallus of tropical America

Abstract

This work covers the natural history and captive management of the genus Corallus, a small group of highly adapted tree-dwelling snakes from Tropical America. Related to the giants of the snake world, such as the anaconda and python, their striking appearance and often exorbitant coloration have long made them popular subjects for herpetological study and interesting animals for zoological exhibition. Peter Stafford has published regularly on the subject of herpetology, including articles on natural history and captive husbandry, and three books on snakes and lizards. Recently, he has developed a special interest in the herpetology of Central America, and other parts of the New World Tropics. Following a number of expeditions and field studies on the herpetofauna of Belize, he is presently working on a comprehensive account of the reptiles of this country. Robert W. Henderson is the author of more than 120 technical articles on amphibian and/or reptile biology, and has coauthored or edited five other books on reptiles. Primarily interested in snakes, his research has also included field work on amphibians and other reptiles. For the past 15 years he has concentrated on West Indian fauna, visiting more than 40 islands in his search for snakes. He has recently focused on neotropical boas (in the West Indies and on the neotropical mainland) with a strong emphasis on diet and foraging behaviour. Interested in tree boas as a boy, he has studied their biology for eight years, His work with corallus, as well as other boas, is ongoing.