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Boas, like many other large snakes, are killed for their skins, which are highly prized in the leather trade. These snakes are not farmed for their skins, and collecting them from the wild has caused population declines. Boas are also consumed by indigenous people and collected for the pet trade. They have long been popular as pets because of their large size and relatively calm demeanor. Probably their biggest threats are the ever-increasing human populations and the loss of prime habitat. Boas are very important in controlling rodent populations which, when in excess, can have a seriously negative impact on the environment.