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Acuminate Bush Viper
Atheris acuminata
A highly venomous, small arboreal viper endemic to the remote river gorges of western Uganda, easily recognized by its pointed head scales and specialized niche ecology.
Class:Squamata
Order:Squamata
Family:Viperidae
Subfamily:Viperinae
Genus:Atheris
Species:Atheris acuminata
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Environment
Terrestrial
Humidity
65 - 80 %
Day temperature
22 - 26 °C
Ambient temperature
22 - 26 °C
Night temperature
18 - 20 °C
Basking spot
28 °C
Adult size
44 cm
Minimum enclosure
>= 120 L
UVB
Low
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Atheris acuminata is endemic to western Uganda, with a very restricted range, notably within the Kyambura Gorge. It inhabits forest-savanna mosaics, gallery forests, and dense river gorge thickets, adapting to local warm, humid microclimates with distinct dry and rainy seasons.
Taxonomy and Genetics: A member of the family Viperidae and the genus Atheris. The species name acuminata refers to the pointed, sharp shape of the scales on its head. Its genetic lineage is highly isolated, having evolved within deep Ugandan river gorges, making it a unique evolutionary unit within the genus.
Behavior and Habits: Nocturnal and arboreal. During the day, it remains motionless in dense shrubs, relying on crypsis. At night, it hunts small vertebrates from ambush positions. It possesses a potent hemotoxic venom for which there is no specific antivenom. Its prehensile tail provides stability during strikes.
Morphology: This is one of the smallest species of Atheris, with adults typically measuring less than 50 cm in total length. It has a flat, triangular head covered with elongated, pointed scales that create a fringed or crested appearance. The dorsal coloration is green to olive-green, blending with mossy bark.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Terrarium Setup: A vertical terrarium measuring at least 50x40x50 cm with a secure locking system is necessary. Provide fine climbing branches, vines, and dense foliage (live plants are preferred). Use a moisture-retaining substrate such as peat moss or coco coir to support humidity levels.
Lighting and Heating: Daytime temperatures should range from 24°C to 26°C, with a localized basking spot of 29°C using a protected overhead heat source. Nighttime temperatures should drop to 18-20°C. Provide a low-output UVB light (2.0 to 5.0) on a 10-hour daily cycle for overall health.
Humidity and Hydration: Maintain high humidity levels of 75-85%. Spray the enclosure daily with clean water. These snakes rarely drink from bowls and prefer to lick water droplets off leaves. Installing an automated misting or drip system is highly recommended. Ensure the enclosure has good ventilation.
Feeding and Supplementation: Carnivorous. Offer small frozen-thawed pinky mice using long feeding forceps. Neonates can be challenging to feed and may require small frogs or geckos to stimulate feeding. Dust prey items with calcium and D3 supplements once a month for adults.
Compatibility: Strictly solitary. Do not cohabitate. The high toxicity of their venom makes them hazardous to keep. Enclosures must be locked and labeled. Use proper snake hooks and handling tools for maintenance. Under no circumstances should this species be handled by hand.
Health and Common Diseases: Highly susceptible to stress from excessive movement or handling. Respiratory infections can occur in stagnant, damp environments. Dehydration is a key risk for neonates. Ensure access to an experienced veterinarian specializing in venomous reptiles.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Atheris acuminata is endemic to western Uganda, with a very restricted range, notably within the Kyambura Gorge. It inhabits forest-savanna mosaics, gallery forests, and dense river gorge thickets, adapting to local warm, humid microclimates with distinct dry and rainy seasons.
Origin
Africa and Madagascar
Reptile profile
- Diet
- No verified data available
- Life expectancy
- No verified data available
- Adult size
- 44 cm
- Lifestyle/Microhabitat
- No verified data available
- Activity cycle
- No verified data available
- Sociality
- No verified data available
- Reproduction
- No verified data available
- Handling tolerance
- No verified data available
- Brumation
- No verified data available
- Molting
- No verified data available
The catalog's scalar value is 44 cm. The ReptTraits v1.2 source reports a maximum adult measurement of 44 cm for this species, recorded as total length (TL). These figures are not interchangeable: the first is the profile's editorial reference, whereas the second is a published maximum under a specific measurement convention; differences among sources can reflect sex, population, life stage and measuring method.
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Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
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