# Emerald Tree Boa (*Corallus caninus*)

> The emerald tree boa (Corallus caninus) is a vivid green Amazonian snake that coils on branches over water. Adults reach about 2 m and 1.5 kg, hunt at night, and are listed Least Concern.

- **Category:** Reptile
- **Conservation status (IUCN):** Least Concern
- **Range:** Amazon and Guiana Shield rainforests.
- **Canonical page:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/emerald-tree-boa/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Scientific classification

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Chordata
- **Class:** Reptilia
- **Order:** Squamata
- **Family:** Boidae
- **Genus:** Corallus

## Facts at a glance

| Attribute | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Scientific name | Corallus caninus |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Habitat | Rainforest canopy |
| Lifespan | 15–20 years |
| Weight | 1–2 kg |
| Top speed | up to 8 km/h |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |

## Jewel of the canopy

Juveniles are red or orange before turning emerald green. White markings along the back and heat pits on the lips suit nocturnal ambush hunting.

## Rodents and birds from above

Prey is struck from overhanging branches — often near water where small mammals commute. Constriction subdues victims before swallowing head-first.

## Amazon and Guiana Shield

Lowland rainforest of the northern Amazon basin and Guiana region. They seldom leave trees except to move between perches.

## Collectors versus wild populations

Least Concern in intact forest. Wild-caught individuals once fuelled the pet trade; captive breeding now supplies most specimens.

## Frequently asked questions

### Are emerald tree boas venomous?

No — they are constrictors in the boa family, not venomous snakes.

### Why are young emerald tree boas red?

Juvenile red or orange colour may mimic venomous coral snakes before shifting to adult green.

### Do emerald tree boas live in water?

They stay in trees but often hunt over streams where prey travels.

### How big do emerald tree boas get?

Typically about 1.5–2 m as adults — thick-bodied for an arboreal snake.

### Can emerald tree boas be kept as pets?

Captive-bred individuals are kept by experienced keepers; they need high humidity and vertical space.

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Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/emerald-tree-boa/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.