The African bush viper.
Or Hairy Bush Viper, depending on who you're talking to.
It has several different names and is an amazing looking snake. In fact, it's one of my all-time favorite snakes.
Mainly because it looks so unique. In fact, due to its "furry" appearance, it is one of the most unique snakes in the world.
The African viper I kill (Atheris hispid) is a venomous species of reptile native to eastern and central Africa.
It is a small to medium-sized viper with a rough appearance caused by itskeeled dorsal scales. It goes by several other names, including thethorny bush viper, the rough-scaled viper, and the hairy bush viper.
The African viper is both arboreal and terrestrial, meaning that it thrives in both terrestrial and arboreal habitats. On the ground, the African bush viper seeks out dense vegetation to hide.
In the early morning, it can be seen hanging from branches basking in the sun. The African viper is largely a solitary animal.
But don't be fooled by its cuteness and small size. African vipers are incredibly venomous and can deliver a fatal blow if stung.
However, this article deals in detail with the species.
From location, diet to 8 stunning photos of the hairy viper, we've got you covered.
Index
CThe hut is the habitat ofStachelige Buschviper?
The habitat of the African viper is inCentral and East Africa;i.e. the southern part ofUganda, northern and eastern Congo, western Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi and northern Tanzania.
The snake thrives in the dense rainforest and humid areas of these countries.
Depending on the season, the snake can be found at different altitudes.
During the dry season, the spiny snake prefers the lowlands, during the rainy season (May to August) it prefers the highlands.
Where to look if you want to find one
The African viper is a nocturnal reptile.
During the day, he usually hides in ravines or in tall grass. However, early in the morning it sunbathes along the branches.
A versatile tree climber, the snake often hangs from tree branches and vines, waiting for prey to appear.
In addition to being an agile climber, the African bush viper is capable of stealthy maneuvers on the ground.
color, size and attributes
The hairy bush viper is a well-built snake with a solid, muscular body and an outer surface of heavily keeled scales. In addition, it is one of the most unique snakes on planet Earth.
The head is covered with small keeled scales. This is a distinctive feature of this viper. HerCorvaries from green to yellowish, which allows the snake to hide in the surrounding vegetation.
Few snakes have feathery scales like this species, which, along with the snake's attractive colors, makes it a true specimen.
So how big are prickly vipers?
The reptile will grow to a length ofabout 24-36 inchesthe females being a few inches longer than the males. This is typical of most species - meaning females are larger.
The head is triangular, and the eyes are large and oval, which makes it easy for the snake to see in dense and dense forest. Oshovel headit is commonly found in venomous snakes, particularly pit vipers.
It's a surefire sign when trying to identify a venomous snake, although some non-venomous snakes also have triangular heads.
The face shows aprominent short snout in most males. Unlike other pit vipers, the eyes are oval, large and surrounded by at least a dozen eye scales.
Even the distance between the eyes isseparated by 6-9 scales.The nose is separated from the eyes by a small slit and a row of scales.
The two fangs are located on the upper jaw and are connected to the venom gland on the upper jaw. The retractable fangs protrude when the mouth is open and slide back when the mouth is closed.
Like many snakes, it is heterothermic, meaning it can alternate between homeothermic and poikilothermic states, depending on climate and metabolic activity.
Unlike other vipers, the prickly viper isdoes not have heat sensitive wellsbut instead relies on sight, smell, and vibration to detect prey. You really have very good eyesight.
how long do they live
Documentation of the lifespan of the African pit viper is sparse. Reports suggest that most vipers will live between10-12 yearsbut due to predators and disease most have a shorter lifespan.
After all, predators abound in the places they like to call home.
In addition to humans, the viper's other predators include other snakes, birds, and larger fish.
In captivity, the reptile is known to live15-20 yearsbecause there is no danger of predators.
How big are hairy vipers?
The adult bush otter will grow to approx.24-36 inches.Females are generally slimmer and a few inches longer.
How venomous are African pit vipers?
Despite its relatively small size, the African bush viper ischarges a blow with its bite.
Although no extensive studies have been conducted on its venom, some studies indicate that the venom is primary.neurotoxic - meaning it damages the nerves.
In addition, the venom also causes profuse internal bleeding, resulting in quick death. That's a pretty horrible path, whether you have that snake food or a human.
Unfortunately, these snakes are common in the exotic pet trade and sometimes on the black market. This is mainly due to its unique appearance.
If you're considering getting one of these as a pet, be warned.they can kill you. there are many otherspet snakesto consider owning one.
vip african bushis bitten
The bite and venom of the African pit viper have not been well studied. But its venom is primarily neurotoxic, meaning it can paralyze nerves.
The potency of the venom varies greatly depending on where the species is, how big it is, how it is located, and its level.
Being bitten by an African viper is basically avery bad weather.
It will be very painful and potentially fatal.
The snake is normally not aggressive,but will stand firm when threatened.
So if you see one in the wild or in captivity, don't get too close.
The African viper is a deadly snake for humans.
The exact number ofAfrican viper bites humanis not known, but the numbers are not minuscule.
Most bites occur when people inadvertently enter wooded areas where the snake lives or step on the reptile.
no treatment,A bite from the African viper is usually fatal.
Due to its lethality, an antidote is available in some African hospitals.
African shrubviper behavior
Like most other pit vipers, the African pit viper is a pit viper.nocturnal creature.And like its other related species, it ambushes its prey. To catch the prey, it will be waiting for a long time.
As soon as it sees prey in range, it makes a very quick attack and within a minute the prey is dead.
The African viper is mostly a solitary animal, except during mating.
To move around and see prey, the reptile uses its vision, but it also has highly developed senses of smell and touch.
When cornered or threatened, it assumes an attacking stance with its upper body stretched out above the ground.
It adopts a threatening attitude towards larger predators and is not afraid to attack. When it comes to a female, the male tries to make himself bigger by straightening his body.
Natural habitat and environment
The African bush viper has a wide habitat ranging from forests at sea level, dense forests and knee-deep vegetation in the foothills and lowlands of montane forests.
the snake prefersinhabit vines, low branches and bushes, where he can look for prey, and also hide from other predators.
To escape predators, the African viper usescamouflageto blend in with the environment. This allows him not only to hide, but also to surprise potential prey.
Young African vipers have a different skin color compared to adults. This serves as a warning signal to other threatening animals.
Diet and eating habits of the prickly viper
Like all vipers, the African viper hunts and eats live prey. African bush viper continues to feedsmall mammals, lizards, amphibians, shrews, birds and even other smaller snakes.
Although it usually hunts for prey in trees, it also actively searches for prey on the ground. In fact, the African viper also hunts its own kind.
The snake swallows its prey dead after injecting the victim with venom. The venom paralyzes and kills quickly, but it's definitely not a comfortable death for the unfortunate victims.
how they hunt
To attract prey, the snake sometimes uses its colorful scales on its tail to attract unwitting creatures.
However, as the snake matures, the coloring of the scales becomes more uniform, and attracting prey by this method will not work.
In most cases, the adult snake ambushes its prey with a high success rate.
Most prey cannot escape the rapid attack of the African viper.
Another reason to be wary of these deadly vipers. The blow can happen in an instant and they can strike a whole body distance.
reproduction and mating
The complete mating cycle of the reptile is not known, but one feature is known: these vipers are seasonally monogamous.
Females don't mate until they're almost there.3-4 yearsold, but males start mating later24 Fun.
Dating is a nocturnal activity. During the mating process, the male communicates using various body gestures that can even include biting and rubbing.
The female reproduces only once a year, usually during the rainy season.(May to August). The African bush viper carries the unborn young in its belly.
The gestation period is about 2 months, after which she brings 2-12 live young animals. Newborns measure 4 to 6 inches in length and have all the characteristics of the adult viper except size.
However, after giving birth, the female viper immediately leaves the offspring.
Since newborn vipers are venomous, they can survive independently even at birth, but few reach maturity.
Baby viper growth is initially rapid, but as the snake approaches 24 months, growth slows.
Are African Bush Vipers Good Pet Snakes?
It is not usually kept as a pet. This is because of its toxicity and unpredictability.
However, sometimes you can find some of the snakes in different zoos.
Still, some people like to owndangerous snakes as pets.
Heck, you can even buy a Viperundergroundreptiles.com.
For those who choose to keep this reptile as a pet, it should be provided with the same humid tropical climate that the reptile is familiar with.
Furthermore, there must bewithout compromising security;a tight lockable lid is required to ensure the snake does not escape.
Remember, this is a very dangerous animal. It's better not to have any. And if you do, make sure you keep it in a different building than your primary residence.
Anyone with children should not keep this snake as a pet..
It is much better to choose a less dangerous, more friendly and non-venomous snake.
role in ecosystem
The snake plays an important role in the ecosystem, controlling rodent numbers and limiting the spread of disease.
Humans do not normally come into contact with the reptile unless they venture into its habitat.
One of the reasons the snake is being studied is the production of antivenoms.
The snake is not a general threat to humans as it does not venture outside of its rural habitat. In fact, humans kill the viper out of irrational fear.
If left alone, the snake will not attack humans. He prefers solitude and passivity.
In the long term, the snake helps control infestations by many mammals, including rodents.
conservation and threats
The African viper is not a threatened species, but its numbers have declined in recent decades.
The main reasons for the decline in numbers are urbanization, deforestation and human killings.
Profiles of other snake species
- viper tab
- Goldene Lanzettenotter
- Jungle Carpet Python