INHS Seminar | Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation of Island Boas

This seminar will be held in room 1005 Forbes Natural History Building, 1816 S. Oak Street, Champaign with a virtual Zoom option at https://illinois.zoom.us/j/82837070775?pwd=FpF57pLCabuqaIO5Y7qUBhkdPKyWbX.1&from=addon | Meeting ID: 828 3707 0775 | Password: 656969

Abstract: Islands are central to the biology, evolution, and conservation of the boas (superfamily Booidea) on a global scale. Of the 66 currently recognized species, 42 (63.6%) occur on islands and 27 (40.9%) are insular endemics. Four genera and two families are wholly insular, and a third family is predominantly so. I will discuss the biogeography, morphology, ecology, and conservation of boas globally, focusing on body-size evolution. Insular boas display the classic island syndrome of repeated, independent dwarfism and gigantism, exemplified by convergent dwarfing in continental-island Boa constrictor and the diverse radiation of 14 species of West Indian Boas. However, island boas are also highly susceptible to range contraction and extirpation, as seen in West Indian species.