Atheris chlorechis

(Pel, 1851)

Vernacular names
English : Western bush viper
French : Vipère des buissons

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

Identification
Adults can reach a maximum length of 70 cm. Head covered with strongly keeled scales and very distinct from body. Coloration is bright green with two rows of yellow spots on flanks. Prehensile tail. Green eyes.

Range and habitat
The species is found in western Africa, from Senegal to Mali and Guinea, south to Ivory Coast and Ghana. May also occur as far east as Nigeria. Forest specialist, found in dense bushes up to 2 meters above ground.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species is still safe so far although deforestation occurs within its range. Intense deforestation and capture for trade can become major threats.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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