Extinct Round Island Burrowing Boa: A Tragic Loss

Gone but Not Forgotten

The Round Island burrowing boa (Bolyeria multocarinata) is a tragic story of extinction. Endemic to Mauritius, this unique snake was last seen in 1975 and is now classified as extinct by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

A Sole Survivor's Peril

The extinction of the Round Island burrowing boa leaves the keel-scaled boa (Casarea dussumieri) as the sole living species in the family Bolyeriidae. This family's vulnerability is highlighted by the Round Island boa's fate, a cautionary tale of the fragility of endemic species.

Human Impact and Habitat Loss

Introduced mammalian predators, particularly rats, have been identified as the primary cause of the historical decline and eventual extinction of the Round Island burrowing boa. Habitat destruction also played a role, further exacerbating the species' vulnerability.

Conservation Success and a Glimmer of Hope

In a beacon of hope, 40 years of dedicated conservation efforts and successful translocations have resulted in the recovery of an estimated 1500 keel-scaled boas on two islands in Mauritius. This conservation success story offers solace amid the loss of the Round Island burrowing boa.