Extinction of Round Island Burrowing Boa Confirmed

Endemic Mauritian Snake Declared Extinct

Species Last Seen in 1975

[City, State, Date] - The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has officially declared the Round Island burrowing boa (Bolyeria multocarinata) extinct. This small, non-venomous snake was endemic to the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. The species has not been seen since 1975, and its habitat has been completely destroyed.

The Round Island burrowing boa was a unique species that belonged to the monotypic genus Bolyeria. The family Bolyeriidae also includes the Round Island boa (Casarea dussumieri), which is also considered extinct. The Round Island burrowing boa was a small snake, with adults reaching a maximum length of around 50 centimeters (20 inches). It had a dark brown or black back, with a lighter brown or yellowish belly. The snake was found in lowland forests and scrubland on Round Island.

The Round Island burrowing boa was last seen in 1975. Since then, extensive surveys have failed to find any evidence of the species' survival. The snake's habitat has been completely destroyed by habitat conversion, including deforestation, agriculture, and the introduction of invasive species.

The extinction of the Round Island burrowing boa is a tragic loss for Mauritian biodiversity. The species was a unique and important part of the island's ecosystem. Its extinction serves as a reminder of the importance of conservation efforts to protect endangered species and their habitats.