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Mount Kenya Bush Viper
Atheris desaixi
An extremely rare and protected montane bush viper from Kenya, famous among herpetologists for its striking, charcoal-black keeled scales vividly tipped with bright yellow.
Class:Squamata
Order:Squamata
Family:Viperidae
Subfamily:Viperinae
Genus:Atheris
Species:Atheris desaixi
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Environment
Terrestrial
Humidity
60 - 80 %
Day temperature
24 - 28 °C
Night temperature
20 - 22 °C
Adult size
70 cm
UVB
Low - Medium
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Atheris desaixi is endemic to the montane rainforests of central Kenya, specifically around Mount Kenya and the Nyambene Hills, at elevations of 1,500 to 2,000 meters. It inhabits dense forest undergrowth and humid shrubbery characterized by moderate temperatures and frequent fog.
Taxonomy and Genetics: A member of the family Viperidae and the genus Atheris. First described in the late 1960s, this species is of major biogeographical interest due to its isolation in Kenyan mountain regions. The genetic pool is localized, and the species is threatened by deforestation and habitat loss.
Behavior and Habits: Primarily nocturnal and arboreal, although it may occasionally hunt on or near the ground. It is an ambush predator that remains motionless for extended periods. It possesses a powerful hemotoxic venom. It uses its prehensile tail to secure itself to branches while hunting and resting.
Morphology: Adults typically measure 50-70 cm in length. The head is triangular and covered in small keeled scales. The color pattern is striking and unique: a blackish-green or charcoal-black base color, with each keeled scale tipped with bright yellow or light green, giving the snake a speckled appearance.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Terrarium Setup: A vertical enclosure of at least 60x40x60 cm with a secure locking mechanism is mandatory. Provide strong climbing branches, cork bark, and live plants such as ferns or ivy. Use a moisture-retaining substrate such as peat moss and sphagnum to support humidity.
Lighting and Heating: As a mountain species, it is highly sensitive to heat. Maintain daytime temperatures at 20-23°C, with a localized basking spot of 26°C. Nighttime temperatures must drop to 15-17°C. Provide low-output UVB (2.0 or 5.0) light on a 10-hour cycle, avoiding overheating.
Humidity and Hydration: Maintain high humidity levels of around 80%. Spray the terrarium thoroughly every evening with cool, clean water. A drip system is highly recommended, as they drink water droplets from leaves. Ensure excellent cross-ventilation to prevent mold growth.
Feeding and Supplementation: Carnivorous. Feed appropriately sized frozen-thawed mice using long feeding forceps. In the wild, they also feed on amphibians and small lizards. Dust prey with multivitamin and calcium supplements once a month. Avoid overfeeding to prevent regurgitation.
Compatibility: Strictly solitary. Do not cohabitate. The species is venomous and medically significant. Terrariums must be locked and labeled. Handling should be performed only when absolutely necessary using appropriate snake hooks and secure transfer containers. Do not handle directly.
Health and Common Diseases: Heat stroke is a major risk if temperatures exceed 27°C. Respiratory infections and skin fungal infections can occur if the terrarium lacks proper airflow while maintaining high humidity. Consult a specialized exotic veterinarian for health issues.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Atheris desaixi is endemic to the montane rainforests of central Kenya, specifically around Mount Kenya and the Nyambene Hills, at elevations of 1,500 to 2,000 meters. It inhabits dense forest undergrowth and humid shrubbery characterized by moderate temperatures and frequent fog.
Origin
Africa and Madagascar
Reptile profile
- Diet
- No verified data available
- Life expectancy
- No verified data available
- Adult size
- 70 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 70 cm. The ReptTraits v1.2 source reports a maximum adult measurement of 70 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.
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
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