What reproductive method characterizes the Kenyan Sand Boa and many other snakes in the Erycinae subfamily?

Ovoviviparous

The reproductive strategy employed by the Kenyan Sand Boa and many of its relatives is described as ovoviviparous. This biological classification signifies a critical distinction from snakes that lay eggs externally, known as oviparous species. In an ovoviviparous system, the developing embryos are nourished internally via their yolk sacs while remaining within the mother's reproductive tract. Once development is complete, the young are born live, fully formed, and ready to begin independent life immediately. This method provides a significant survival advantage in arid or unpredictable environments where finding a consistently safe, warm, and moist location necessary for external egg incubation would be hazardous or unreliable, as the mother supplies a stable internal developmental environment until the neonates are ready to fend for themselves.