Study

Boiga irregularis (brown tree snake). Captive reproduction and longevity

  • Published source details McFadden M. & Boylan T. (2014) Boiga irregularis (brown tree snake). Captive reproduction and longevity. Herpetological Review, 45, 60-61.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Relocate nests/eggs for artificial incubation: Snakes

Action Link
Reptile Conservation

Breed reptiles in captivity: Snakes – Colubrids

Action Link
Reptile Conservation
  1. Relocate nests/eggs for artificial incubation: Snakes

    A study in 1984–1985 at Taronga Zoo, Sydney, Australia (McFadden & Boylan 2014) found that a wild-caught female brown tree snake Boiga irregularis laid eggs in captivity that following artificial incubation hatched successfully. Five of six eggs hatched successfully after an incubation period of 82 days. A gravid female was acquired in 1984 and laid a clutch of eggs soon after arrival. The clutch was incubated artificially but details on incubation conditions are not available.

    (Summarised by: William Morgan)

  2. Breed reptiles in captivity: Snakes – Colubrids

    A study in 1984–1997 at Taronga Zoo, Sydney, Australia (McFadden & Boylan 2014) reported that brown tree snakes Boiga irregularis reproduced successfully after four years in captivity. In 1988–1995, a female produced seven clutches of 10–16 eggs. Authors report hatching data for three clutches, with nine of 12 (75%), zero of 11 (0%) and 13 (clutch size unknown) eggs hatching successfully. Reported incubation periods ranged from 82–92 days. Five of six eggs hatched successfully from an additional clutch that was laid soon after the snakes arrived in captivity, and authors reported that the female was most likely gravid when captured. A pair of snakes were acquired in 1984, and authors reported that incubation was attempted for four clutches of eggs. Details on incubation conditions were not reported.

    (Summarised by: William Morgan)

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