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Katanga Mountain Bush Viper
Atheris katangensis
A highly localized, venomous mountain viper endemic to the Katanga Province of the DRC. It strictly requires specialized cool-climate care to replicate its unique natural habitat.
Class:Squamata
Order:Squamata
Family:Viperidae
Subfamily:Viperinae
Genus:Atheris
Species:Atheris katangensis
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Environment
Terrestrial
Humidity
60 - 80 %
Day temperature
19 - 23 °C
Ambient temperature
19 - 23 °C
Night temperature
15 - 17 °C
Basking spot
25 °C
Adult size
40 cm
Minimum enclosure
>= 100 L
UVB
Low
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Atheris katangensis is endemic to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, restricted to the Katanga Province and Upemba National Park. It inhabits high-altitude gallery forests, montane woodlands, and thickets along river gorges, typically at elevations of 1,200 to 1,800 meters.
Taxonomy and Genetics: Belonging to the family Viperidae and the genus Atheris. Geographically isolated on the Katanga Plateau, its evolutionary path has resulted in a distinct genetic profile. It is recognized by unique scale characteristics and its highly restricted range. No subspecies are recognized.
Behavior and Habits: Nocturnal and arboreal. It hunts as an ambush predator in low shrubs and grasses near water, feeding on frogs and small mammals. It is generally a calm snake that relies on crypsis for defense. Its venom is hemotoxic and dangerous. Its prehensile tail is used to anchor itself on reeds.
Morphology: Adults typically measure 40-50 cm in length. The head is flat, triangular, and covered with small, keeled scales. The body is relatively robust for its size. The base coloration is olive-green or yellowish-green, often with purplish-grey, yellow, or brown markings forming geometric patterns.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Terrarium Setup: A vertical terrarium measuring at least 50x40x60 cm with a secure locking system is necessary. Furnish the enclosure with 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 22°C to 25°C, with a localized basking spot of 28°C using a protected overhead heat source. Nighttime temperatures should drop to 16-18°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 70-80%. 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 katangensis is endemic to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, restricted to the Katanga Province and Upemba National Park. It inhabits high-altitude gallery forests, montane woodlands, and thickets along river gorges, typically at elevations of 1,200 to 1,800 meters.
Origin
Africa and Madagascar
Reptile profile
- Diet
- No verified data available
- Life expectancy
- No verified data available
- Adult size
- 40 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 40 cm. The ReptTraits v1.2 source reports a maximum adult measurement of 40 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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