Great Lakes bush viper

Atheris nitschei

''Atheris nitschei'' is a venomous viper species found in Africa from Uganda and adjacent DR Congo to Rwanda, Tanzania and Burundi. The former subspecies ''Atheris nitschei rungweensis'' from southwestern Tanzania, northeastern Zambia and northern Malawi was elevated to species rank .
Great Lakes Bush Viper (Atheris nitschei) at Buhoma Very well hidden green Great Lakes Bush Viper seen along the Community trail at Buhoma Atheris nitschei,Buhoma,Great Lakes Bush Viper,Uganda

Appearance

It is a relatively large and stout bush viper, growing to an average total length of 63 cm and a maximum total length of at least 73 cm . The males are smaller than the females.

Naming

The specific name, ''nitschei'', is in honor of German zoologist Hinrich Nitsche .Great Lakes bush viper, Nitsche's bush viper, black and green bush viper, Nitsche's tree viper. sedge viper, green viper, bush viper.

Habitat

Found in wetland and meadow areas, and elephant grass marshes, along small streams, sometimes in scrub and bush in valleys at higher elevations, and in mountain forests up to the bamboo zone at 1,600–2,800 m altitude. Common in papyrus reed around small lakes.

References:

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Taxonomy
KingdomAnimalia
DivisionChordata
ClassReptilia
OrderSquamata
FamilyViperidae
GenusAtheris
SpeciesA. nitschei
Photographed in
Uganda