Nitsche’s Bush Viper, Atheris nitschei
Family Viperidae. Members of this family are characterized by the possession of long, hinged fangs which are folded up along the roof of the mouth when it is closed; all possess venom which is predominantly hemolytic. Bush vipers are arboreal and possess a prehensile tail. Nitsche’s Bush Viper is common in Mubwindi Swamp on isolated hummocks within the swamp. Also common along road banks in the Ruhizha area. Feeds on lizards and rodents
Size: to 730 mm TL.
Habitat: papyrus, phragmites swamps, and elephant grass; also montane habitats up to bamboo zone. Usually in small trees, bushes or grass.
Range: Western Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda and adjacent Congo.
