Aside from geographical range data, and a few anecdotal accounts, there is very little information about the ecology and behavior of mangrove snakes in the wild. These animals seem to be more often studied in a captive collection or laboratory setting than in their natural habitat.

There is much speculation about the natural diet of Boiga. Much has been written and said about what they do and do not consume, but valid studies regarding stomach contents and hunting strategies are lacking. It would stand to reason that prey availability and preference would vary between locale and habitat. This may explain why some imported mangrove snakes will readily consume rodents, while others consistently hold off for birds, frogs, fish, or other reptiles.

Although uncommon, captive propagation of B. dendrophila is possible.

Venom and Envenomation

Mangrove snakes, as well as all other Boiga species, possess opisthoglyphous dentition; that is, they are rear-fanged and possess a mild venom. All rear-fanged snakes are found in the family Colubridae, and the venom of these animals varies from harmless to life-threatening. Opisthoglyphs are typically specialized feeders, and subdue prey by working it towards the back of the mouth where the specialized enlarged teeth work the venom into the prey.

Rear-fanged snakes do not have an active venom delivery system like that of pit vipers or cobras. Rather than possessing a highly developed venom gland, duct system, and hollow fangs, mangrove snakes have slightly enlarged rear maxillary teeth that must puncture the skin and allow venom to passively enter the wound. This undeveloped and inefficient delivery system makes serious human envneomations rare.

The Duvernoy’s gland is the structure responsible for the synthesis of venom among rear-fanged snakes. The gland’s secretions flow directly into the oral cavity of the snake, typically at the base of the upper posterior teeth. This function is very similar to that of human salivary glands. In fact, all snake venoms are nothing more than highly specialized digestive juices (saliva).

Some authorities feel that the Duvernoy’s gland is an evolutionary precursor to the more developed venom glands of the familiar pit vipers and cobras. Other sources indicate that the form and function of the two structures are more significantly different, and should not be considered synonymous.

The clinical effects of mangrove snake venom are poorly represented, mostly due to the low occurrence of reported envenomations outside of their native range. Furthermore, snake venom (or any natural toxin for that matter) will be tolerated differently by different people. The risk of serious allergic reaction is always a possibility with any venomous animal.

It should be noted that there are no reported cases of a human fatality occurring as a result of a mangrove snake bite. The same is true, at least in the U.S., for hospitalizations resulting from severe envenomations. Local reactions including pain, swelling, and skin discoloration have been reported, and are the possible outcomes of a serious bite from a good sized animal.