Kershaw's Pit Viper (Western Bush Viper)
Scientific Name: Atheris chlorechis
Category: reptile
Brief Description
A venomous arboreal viper known for its striking green coloration and highly keeled scales that give it a rough, bristly appearance.
Characteristics
Vibrant lime green to olive body with small yellow or dark speckling. It features a triangular head, vertical pupils, and strongly keeled scales. It has a prehensile tail for gripping branches.
Habitat
Found in tropical rainforests, dense secondary forests, and sometimes in low-growing thickets or shrubs near the ground.
When to Find It
Primarily nocturnal, though often found basking on leaves during the day. Active year-round in tropical climates.
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN)
Ecological Role
Acts as both a predator and prey within its ecosystem; it controls populations of small rodents, frogs, and lizards.
Easily Confused With
Atheris squamigera (Variable Bush Viper) is similar but usually shows a wider range of colors like red, orange, or blue. Green Mambas are longer, slimmer, and lack the keeled scales and triangular head of a viper.
Observation Tips
Look for them coiled on large leaves or thin branches in humid forested areas. Exercise extreme caution and maintain distance as they are venomous and can strike quickly.
Interesting Facts
Unlike many snakes that live on the ground, the Bush Viper spends almost its entire life in trees. Its venom is hemotoxic, causing pain, swelling, and blood-clotting issues.