Kenyan Horned Bush Viper
Atheris subocularis
A little-known arboreal bush viper of Cameroon, distinguished by its enlarged subocular scales and rough, keeled body scalation.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.4-0.6 m (16-24 in)
- Range
- Rainforests of Cameroon, Central Africa
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Overview
Despite its common name, this poorly documented member of the genus Atheris is native to the rainforests of Cameroon in Central Africa rather than Kenya. It shares the arboreal, ambush-predator lifestyle typical of the genus, along with rough, keeled scalation.
Due to its rarity in collections and limited study, aspects of its ecology and distribution remain incompletely understood.
How to identify it
- Olive, brown, or grayish base color with variable mottling
- Keeled, rough scales typical of the genus
- Enlarged subocular scales beneath the eye, reflected in its scientific name
- Vertical pupils
- Prehensile tail
- Best distinguished from other bush vipers by locality (Cameroon) and subtle scalation details
Habitat & range
Found in lowland and mid-elevation rainforest of Cameroon, occupying shrubs and low vegetation similar to other Atheris species.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and arboreal, presumed to feed on frogs and small vertebrates by ambush, consistent with other bush vipers. Reproductive biology is not well documented but likely viviparous like related species.
Frequently asked questions
Where is this bush viper actually found?
Despite the 'Kenyan' common name, Atheris subocularis is native to the rainforests of Cameroon in Central Africa.
Is it venomous?
Yes, as with all bush vipers, it produces venom.
Is much known about this species?
No, it is poorly studied and rarely encountered, so many details of its biology remain unclear.
Is it arboreal?
Yes, it lives in shrubs and low vegetation like other Atheris species.
Kenyan Horned Bush Viper guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Kenyan Horned Bush Viper.
