West-African Night Adder

Geographical Origin and Habitat: This viper is widely distributed in sub-Saharan Africa, inhabiting damp savannas, open woodlands, and agricultural zones, often near marshes or rivers.

Taxonomy and Genetics: The genus Causus comprises the African night adders. Unlike most other viperids, they possess large, symmetrical head shields similar to colubrids.

Behavior and Habits: Terrestrial and semi-fossorial, active during both day and night. An active hunter that roams in search of prey, focusing heavily on frogs and toads.

Morphology: Cylindrical body, head poorly distinct from the neck with large shields. Coloration ranges from gray to olive-brown with dark rhombic blotches. Males possess longer tails.

Terrarium Setup: Requires a horizontal enclosure with a deep layer of soft substrate like peat or coco coir to facilitate burrowing behavior.

Lighting and Heating: Keep daytime temperatures at 24-28°C with a basking spot of 30°C. Medium-intensity UVB lighting should be provided.

Humidity and Hydration: Maintain moderate humidity levels around 50-70%. Provide a water bowl large enough for the snake to soak in occasionally.

Feeding and Supplementation: Feeds primarily on amphibians. In captivity, offer small toads or mice scented with frog skin. Dust prey items with calcium and D3.

Compatibility: Solitary species. Group housing is not recommended due to feeding response competition and potential stress.

Health and Common Diseases: High risk of internal parasite loads due to amphibian diet. Prone to respiratory infections if substrate cleanliness is neglected.