boas

Boas is a term that can refer to two main subjects: boas, the nonvenomous constrictor snakes of the family Boidae, and Boas as a surname.

Boas (snakes) are nonvenomous constrictors found in the Americas, Africa, and Madagascar. They comprise several genera, including Boa, Eunectes (anacondas), Corallus, Epicrates, Sanzinia, and Acrantophis. Boas are typically large-bodied snakes, with some species capable of reaching several meters in length. They subdue prey by constriction, feeding on mammals, birds, and occasionally reptiles. Reproduction is ovoviviparous, with females giving birth to live young after eggs hatch inside the mother. Boas occupy a range of habitats, from tropical forests and grasslands to swamps and riverbanks; many are arboreal, while others are terrestrial or aquatic, such as the anacondas. They are nonvenomous and generally pose little threat to humans in the wild, though large species require cautious handling in captivity. Some species are kept as exotic pets, and large individuals require substantial enclosures and specialized care. Conservation concerns include habitat loss and collection for the pet trade, with international trade regulated for many species under CITES.

Boas (surname) is of Germanic origin. Notable bearers include Franz Boas (1858–1942), a German-born American anthropologist often regarded as the father of American anthropology. Boas promoted cultural relativism and conducted extensive fieldwork among Indigenous peoples, mentoring influential scholars such as Ruth Benedict and Margaret Mead.