Atheris broadleyi, or Broadley's bush viper, is an arboreal species of viper found in Cameroon, Central African Republic, the Republic of the Congo, and (possibly[a]) Nigeria.[1][3][4] The species gets its name in honour of the late Donald G. Broadley, a famous African herpetologist. As with all vipers, A. broadleyi is venomous.[3]
| Atheris broadleyi | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Viperidae |
| Genus: | Atheris |
| Species: | A. broadleyi
|
| Binomial name | |
| Atheris broadleyi | |
Description
editAtheris broadleyi is a medium-sized, rough scaled viper with varying colours and patterns.[2] It has been thought of as a colour morph of Atheris squamigera on multiple occasions[5][6] and is very similar in appearance.[2]
The venom from Broadley's bush vipers is mainly hemotoxic.[2]
Reproduction
editAtheris broadleyi is ovoviviparous.[3]
Distribution
editAtheris broadleyi is widely distributed in Cameroon, and its range extends into the Central African Republic and the Republic of the Congo. Its presence in Nigeria requires confirmation.[1] Records from Gabon are considered erraneous.[3]
The type locality of Atheris broadleyi is in the vicinity of Lipondji village, East Province, Cameroon.[3]
Behaviour
editAtheris broadleyi is most often nocturnal, but has been known to bask in the sun. Similarly, they are most often arboreal, but have been known to hunt near and on the ground.[2]
Notes
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c d Gonwouo, N.L.; Chippaux, J.-P.; Zassi-Boulou, A.-G.; Chirio, L. (2021). "Atheris broadleyi". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2021: e.T44980108A44980110. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-3.RLTS.T44980108A44980110.en. Retrieved 2 May 2024.
- ^ a b c d e Lawson (1999). "A new species of arboreal viper (Serpentes: Viperidae: Atheris) from Cameroon, Africa". Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington. 112 (4): 793–803.
- ^ a b c d e Atheris broadleyi at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 2 May 2024.
- ^ Chirio, Laurent; Ineich, Ivan (June 2006). "Biogeography of the reptiles of the Central African Republic". African Journal of Herpetology. 55 (1): 23–59. Bibcode:2006AfJH...55...23C. doi:10.1080/21564574.2006.9635538. ISSN 2156-4574.
- ^ Broadley, Donald G. (1998). "A review of the genus Atheris Cope (Serpentes: Viperidae), with the description of a new species from Uganda". Herpetological Journal. 8: 117–135.
- ^ Perret, J-L; Mertens, R (1957). "Revision du matériel herpétologique du Cameroun, étudié par A. Monard". Revue suisse de Zoologie. 64: 73–78. doi:10.5962/bhl.part.75477. ISSN 0035-418X.