Current Status
Historic records, some dating back to the 18th century, indicate that during the first few centuries of Spanish colonization in Puerto Rico the boa was relatively abundant, and oil produced from the snake's fat was utilized extensively as an export. Impacts to the boa resulting from the oil trade were undoubtedly heightened by a concurrent reduction of habitat. Deforestation of the island began during this period and continued until, by the early 20th century, very little natural forest remained. When an expedition from the U.S. Natural Museum visited Puerto Rico in 1900, the boa had become so rare that no specimens could be collected. Predation by the mongoose, introduced into Puerto Rico in the 20th century, has been postulated as a further cause for the boa's present status, but there is no direct evidence to support this idea. There is an indication that the boa has recovered somewhat in recent years, although not to the degree that protective measures can be dropped.
Read more about this topic: Puerto Rican Boa
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