Quick Facts
Scientific Name: Atheris Squamigera
Common Names: African Bush Viper, Leaf viper, Variable Bush Viper, Green Bush Viper, Common Bush Viper
Geographic Range: West and Central Africa
Life Span: 10 – 20 years, possibly longer in captivity
Conservation Status: Not Evaluated
Top 10 List – Common Bush Viper
1. Common Bush Vipers Ambush Their Prey
Common Bush Vipers are ambush predators. This means that they lay in wait, waiting for prey to come close enough. Once their prey does get close enough they will strike, injecting their venom using their sharp fangs to subdue their prey. They hunt at night and mainly feed on other small, nocturnal mammals such as shrews and rodents. Hoewever, they have been known to occasionally prey on birds and small reptiles, and even other younger common bush vipers. Juveniles are more likely to feed on reptiles than adults.
2. They Have Relatively Large Eyes and A Prehensile Tail
These vipers have strong, prehensile tails. Their tails are able to support their entire body weight, and help anchor them to branches so they can rest, or hang off of branches waiting for unsuspecting prey to walk by. They have large triangular heads, as well as relatively large eyes. Females tend to be larger than the males, with some reaching up to 30 inches. Males are smaller and average closer to 18 – 24 inches.
3. They Can Primarily Be Found In Rainforests
The Bush Vipers most common home is in the rainforests throughout parts of Africa, where the thick vegetation they prefer is plentiful, and so are the rodents they feed on. They tend to be found in lower thick bushes, but can also be found on the ground or on various trees and branches.
4. Common Bush Vipers Can Sometimes Be Mistaken For The Hairy Bush Viper
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Check out our list of different types of bush vipers here to see more of the beautiful snakes in the Atheris genus.
Since both the common bush viper and the hairy bush viper are closely related, both belonging to the genus Atheris, it’s no surprise that sometimes people get mixed up between the two. The hairy bush viper is green in color, and the common bush viper can also be green in color. They both have the unique keeled scales as well, giving them even more in common. However the hairy bush viper appears more slender, and their keeled scales stick out and appear pointier, as well as some of their scales having a darker green at the tips.
5. Common Bush Vipers Have Few Predators
With their ability to camouflage and powerful venom, it’s no surprise these lucky snakes have few predators out in the wild. The two main predators for the bush viper are other snakes or humans. They are sometimes captured for food by humans, but only when they encroach on fishing or agricultural activities. They may also be taken from the wild for the pet trade, as some people have been allowed to keep them as pets. However we suggest that the average person do not own one, and it should be left up to zoos/trained professionals to care for these venomous, fast snakes.
6. These Dragon Like Snakes Are Nocturnal
Green bush vipers are nocturnal, meaning they spend most of their days lounging up in the vegetation sleeping, and wake up to hunt for other nocturnal rodents during the night.
7. Common Bush Vipers Have A Deadly Venom
Bush vipers are severely venomous, and a bite from them is potentially lethal. They have long, tubular, hollow fangs that pump venom from the gland that is located between the eyes and mouth on the upper jaw. Side effects from the venom can include local pain, swelling, fevers, bruising and blistering. So while they are absolutely stunning, it’s best to admire these fiesty snakes from afar.
8. Bush Vipers Can Come In A Variety of Colors
A large amount of the population of these vipers is green/olive in color, which is why they can sometimes be referred to as the green bush viper. However, this name is actually quite inaccurate as some populations have been known to include other stunning, bright colors. These colors can include beautiful shades of blue, yellow, orange, red, slate grey, and black.
9. They Have Scales That Look Like Leaves
Common Bush Vipers have keeled scales that stick up, that often look like little leaves, especially when the snake is green in color. The scales tend to be lighter than the snake’s body underneath, making them stand out even more. These scales are one of the most defining features of the Common Bush Viper, making it easy to tell the difference between it and other snakes or vipers. These scales also give the snake a very dragon-like appearance, making it hard to believe this is a real snake and not a made-up creature!
10. Female Bush Vipers Will Give Birth To Live Young Instead Of Laying Eggs
Unlike many reptiles across the globe, Common Bush Vipers actually give birth to live young, and not eggs. In the wild bush vipers usually mate once a year once they have reached sexual maturity, usually during the rainy season. For females that is 42 months, while males are sexually mature at 24 months. The mother carries the babies inside her for 2 months, after which she can birth up to 19 babies. However, the average amount of babies birthed is around 7 – 9. After she has given birth the mother will abandon her babies as they are born already venomous and able to hunt for themselves.
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