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Current Status:

Predation by nonnative rats, as well as habitat modification and destruction, threaten the tree boa.

Achievements:

The Virgin Islands tree boa has been bred successfully in captivity at the Toledo Zoo. Also, additional populations have been found on mainland Puerto Rico in Luquillo and Cayo Diablo and on the nearby island of Culebra. The successful elimination of rats on Congo Cay, U.S. Virgin Islands, has prepared the way for releases of captive bred tree boas in the near future. Recommendations to protect potential boa habitat, including conservation easements and zones, have been made as a result of section 7 consultations between the Fish and Wildlife Service and the Department of the Interior's Office of Territorial Affairs about the sale of Water Island to private interests. The consultation is continuing.

Current Recovery Needs:

Protection of habitat, captive propagation, and predator control are primary needs.

Partnerships

Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources, Division of Fish and Wildlife: The Department recently passed a local law protecting threatened and endangered species, thus providing opportunity to consider the boa when reviewing development projects. Also, it is cooperating on rat control with the Toledo Zoo and the Puerto Rico Department of Natural Resources.

Toledo Zoo: In cooperation with the American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums, the Toledo Zoo's captive breeding program has resulted in more than 100 additional boas.

Recovery Plan Status:

Plan approved 3/27/86.