Boas of the World

Boas of the World is a guide to all sixty-six species currently recognized in the seven families composing the superfamily Booidea. Bringing together the expertise of more than sixty contributors representing thirty-one countries, editors R. Graham Reynolds and Robert W. Henderson present a comprehensive review of the members of this widely recognizable superfamily.

A diverse group of animals, boas include the iconic boa constrictor and green anaconda, the elusive Cropani's treeboa, and the beautiful Amazon emerald treeboa. The species accounts cover taxonomy, genomic resources, etymology, physical description, distribution, habitat, diet, predators, and defensive behavior, as well as provide information on reproduction, human-boa relationships, and population status. More than three hundred color photographs bring the species to life for professionals and amateur snake enthusiasts alike.

A must-have reference volume, Boas of the World is a starting point for future booid studies―and a current record of where we are in our understanding of the evolution, natural history, and conservation of these charismatic, often beautiful, and always intriguing snakes.

R. Graham Reynolds is Professor of Biology at the University of North Carolina, Asheville.

Robert W. Henderson is Curator Emeritus of Herpetology at the Milwaukee Public Museum.