spiny bush viper

Spiny bush viper

The Hairy bush viper is a spectacular keeled tree viper species found in the DR Congo. African Bush Viper Coiled to Strike. The Spiny bush viper bush viper is a large scaled spectacular snake species found in Central Africa.

African bush vipers are carnivorous, and primarily eat small rodents. They may also eat birds, frogs, and small reptiles when available. Seneca Park Zoo Society is a tax-exempt C 3 nonprofit organization. Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law. African Bush Viper.

Spiny bush viper

Spiny bush vipers are part of class Reptilia and are native to central Africa. They can be found in tropical regions like rainforests. Their scientific name comes from the Greek words meaning hairy and tailed. These spiny-scaled, venomous snakes are relatively small and get their name from the keeled scales on their bodies. These creatures are also semi-arboreal, preferring to climb in trees for most of the day. Their venom is neurotoxic and can cause organ hemorrhaging, but toxicity varies with each individual. Spiny bush vipers are part of the family Viperidae and are related to venomous snakes like rattlesnakes and vipers found in tropical areas across Asia. They are small reptiles, only growing up to 29 inches for males and 23 inches for females. Males have long and slender bodies compared to the more stout bodies of females. Their bodies are covered in green or brownish keeled scales that give them a bristly appearance, earning them the name of spiny bush viper. The scales are longest at the head and slowly diminish in size as they go down the back. Their heads are triangular and broad, with narrow necks, short snouts, and large eyes with vertically elliptical pupils. Their tails are prehensile, which helps them to grasp, climb, and hang upside down. The habitat of spiny bush vipers includes rainforests, woodlands, and swamps. Because they are excellent climbers, they can often be found at heights between 2, and 7, feet.

By Regina Bailey Regina Bailey. Atheris hispida Laurent Also, check out the Critter Science YouTube channel.

The spiny bush viper, aka African hairy bush viper, rough-scaled tree viper, rough-scaled bush viper, hairy bush viper, or hairy viper, hails from the northern and eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, western Kenya, southwestern Uganda, and northwestern Tanzania. They prefer rainforests and tropical dry forests with plenty of flowering bushes for cover. These vipers are nocturnal active at night. Spiny bush vipers are arboreal spend their lives in bushes and trees. Gestation pregnancy lasts up to 7 months and yields up to 12 snakelets. Did you know…? Their venom has a hemotoxic compound that causes internal organs to bleed.

The spiny bush viper is a fascinating creature that dwells within the dense rainforests of Central and East Africa. This small snake, also known as Atheris hispida, bears a unique appearance with its rough, spiky scales covering its body. In this blog post, we will explore the captivating history, intriguing facts, size, habitat, and classification of the spiny bush viper. The history of the spiny bush viper dates back to ancient times when it was first discovered by explorers exploring the African wilderness. Its distinct features and vibrant colors have captivated the attention of scientists and reptile enthusiasts alike.

Spiny bush viper

It has several different names, and is quite the incredible looking snake. It is a small to medium-sized viper with a rough-looking appearance caused by its keeled dorsal scales. It goes by several other names including the spiny bush viper, the rough scaled viper, and hairy bush viper. The African Bush viper is both arboreal and terrestrial, meaning it thrives both on the ground and trees. When on the ground, the African Bush viper seeks thick vegetation to remain hidden. During the early morning, it may be seen hanging off the tree limbs basking in the sun. For the most part, the African bush viper is a solitary animal.

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The eye and the supralabials are separated by a single row of scales. Leave a Review. The males of this species grow to maximum total length of 73 cm 29 in : body 58 cm 23 in , tail 15 cm 5. Read Edit View history. Toxicity of individual specimens within the same species and subspecies can vary greatly based on several factors, including geographical region. Even the weather and altitude can influence toxicity Ernst and Zug et al. Domestic Rabbit. The scales around the head and neck are the longest, decreasing posteriorly. With nearly 5 decades of critter experience to my credit and hundreds of zoology teaching hours to people around the world, I have amassed not only a continuing thirst for critter knowledge but a desire to teach others all I can about the majesty and wonder of our natural world. Happy Venomous Bush Viper Snake.

Atheris hispida is a viper species endemic to Central Africa. Like all other vipers, it is venomous.

Spiny bush vipers are part of class Reptilia and are native to central Africa. African bush vipers are mainly arboreal and prefer tropical rainforests in West and Central Africa. These young are about 6 inches in total length and are dark green with wavy stripes. What do you know about cats? African Lion. After mating, females carry their fertilized eggs in their bodies for 6 to 7 months before giving birth to 9 to 12 young at a time in March or April. He starts by "popping his cap" shedding his upper head skin. A bite can be fatal to humans without access to proper first aid and subsequent antivenom treatment. Domestic Rabbit. Hairy Bush Viper Atheris hispida in Rainforest. Congo African Grey Parrot.

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