Lachesis stenophrys

(Cope, 1875)

Vernacular names
English : Central American bushmaster
French : Maitre de la brousse d’Amérique centrale

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Family : Viperidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
The longest member of its family, reaching a maximum length of 3.6 m for a weight of 5 kg. Dorsal scales heavily keeled. Coloration is dark beige with inverted triangular markings on back. Head usually spotless with dark forehead.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in Central America, from southern Nicaragua to most of Costa Rica and Panama. Mostly found in old-growth tropical rainforests, gallery forests, often near water.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : NEAR THREATENED
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species is strongly linked with primary forests and therefore could easily become endangered if deforestation continues. Also locally persecuted.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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