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Broadley's Bush Viper
Atheris broadleyi
A potent Central African arboreal viper closely related to A. squamigera, uniquely distinguished by diverging genetic markers, distinct scale patterns, and specialized habitats.
Class:Squamata
Order:Squamata
Family:Viperidae
Subfamily:Viperinae
Genus:Atheris
Species:Atheris broadleyi
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Environment
Terrestrial
Humidity
60 - 80 %
Day temperature
24 - 28 °C
Night temperature
20 - 22 °C
Adult size
77 cm
UVB
Low - Medium
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Atheris broadleyi is native to the tropical forests of Central Africa, with populations mainly found in Cameroon, the Central African Republic, and the Republic of the Congo. It inhabits primary and secondary rainforests, swamp forests, and dense gallery forests, preferring vegetation hanging over water.
Taxonomy and Genetics: Belonging to the family Viperidae and the genus Atheris. It was described as a distinct species from Atheris squamigera based on morphological, lepidosis (scale counts), and genetic analyses. Its genetic lineage is adapted to the complex riverine ecosystems of the Congo Basin.
Behavior and Habits: Nocturnal and arboreal. It uses suspended branches as a platform to ambush small mammals, frogs, and birds. Its strong prehensile tail allows it to strike with stability. The venom is hemotoxic, causing local swelling and potential systemic clotting issues. It is alert but non-aggressive unless provoked.
Morphology: Typically measures 50-65 cm in length. It features heavily keeled scales that give the body a rough, textured appearance. The head is broad, flat, and triangular. Coloration is highly variable, often featuring brown, olive-green, bronze, or orange-brown tones with darker dorsal markings. Juveniles are greyish.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Terrarium Setup: Requires a vertical terrarium of at least 60x40x60 cm equipped with a secure lock. Provide climbing branches, natural vines, and dense broad-leafed foliage for elevated shelters. Use a moisture-retaining substrate such as cypress mulch or coco coir to help maintain humidity.
Lighting and Heating: Maintain daytime temperatures at 24-27°C, with a localized basking spot of 30°C using an overhead heat emitter. Nighttime temperatures should drop to 20-22°C. A low-output (5.0) UVB light should be provided on a 10-hour daily cycle to support natural metabolic processes.
Humidity and Hydration: Keep humidity levels between 75% and 80%. Spray the terrarium daily with clean water, preferably in the evening. Since they drink droplets off leaves rather than from a water bowl, daily misting is vital. Ensure proper ventilation to avoid stagnant air and mold.
Feeding and Supplementation: Carnivorous. Feed appropriately sized frozen-thawed mice using long feeding forceps. Feed adults every 2 weeks. Dust prey with calcium and vitamin D3 supplements once a month. Never handle prey or feed by hand due to bite risks.
Compatibility: Strictly solitary. Do not house together. The venom is medically significant and dangerous. Keep the terrarium locked and clearly labeled. Use proper snake hooks and handling gear for any maintenance or relocation. Keep emergency protocols handy.
Health and Common Diseases: Susceptible to respiratory infections if ventilation is inadequate, and skin infections (scale rot) if the substrate remains wet. Dehydration is a significant risk if spraying is neglected. Regular health checks by a specialized exotic animal veterinarian are required.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Atheris broadleyi is native to the tropical forests of Central Africa, with populations mainly found in Cameroon, the Central African Republic, and the Republic of the Congo. It inhabits primary and secondary rainforests, swamp forests, and dense gallery forests, preferring vegetation hanging over water.
Origin
Africa and Madagascar
Reptile profile
- Diet
- No verified data available
- Life expectancy
- No verified data available
- Adult size
- 77 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 77 cm. The ReptTraits v1.2 source reports a maximum adult measurement of 77 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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