Usambara bush viper
| Usambara bush viper | ||||||||||||
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The open mouth of a Usambara bush viper ( Atheris ceratophora ) |
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| Scientific name | ||||||||||||
| Atheris ceratophora | ||||||||||||
| Werner , 1896 |
The Usambara bush viper ( Atheris ceratophora ), also known as the horned bush viper , is a species of snake and belongs to the bush vipers ( Atheris ) genus within the family of vipers . It was first described in 1896 by the Austrian zoologist Franz Werner .
features
The Usambara bush viper reaches a length of 35 to 55 cm. Females grow larger than males. The head is broad, heart-shaped when viewed from above, and is clearly distinct from the neck. The relatively large eye has a vertically slit pupil when exposed to light . There are 8 to 12 shields of the lower lip ( scutum sublabiale ) and 7 to 11 shields of the upper lip ( scutum supralabiale ). On the underside of the body, there are 136 to 150 ventral shields ( scutum ventrale ) and 49 to 58 under- tail shields ( scutum subcaudale ) in males, 134 to 152 ventral shields and 46 to 57 under-tail shields in females. The upper side of the body is covered by 21 to 27 rows of strongly keeled dorsal scales ( scutum dorsale ). The tail is long and has a gripping function. The body color is variable, the basic color can appear yellow, yellow-green, olive-green, grayish or black. Here comes Atheris ceratophora in appearance with three color morphs (black-yellow pattern, monochrome olive green and solid black). Sometimes a black mark can be seen. The ventral side is dark orange to blackish in color and can be darkly spotted. The species has the venom apparatus typical of vipers. The salivary glands on the side of the head, which have been transformed into poison glands , are connected to tubular poison teeth in the anterior upper jaw . The poison teeth are folded back when the mouth is closed (solenoglyph tooth position).
Atheris ceratophora is the only Atheris species with one to three horn-like scales above each eye. The addition of the species to the zoological name also relates to this : “ceratophora”, from ancient Greek kéras for “horn” and phorós for “carrying”.
toxicology
Intoxications caused by bite accidents with the Usambara bush viper are seldom severe. After a poison bite, local symptoms such as pain and edema appear first . Systemically, unspecific general symptoms may appear (e.g. nausea , vomiting , headache , abdominal pain ). The toxin mixture from Atheris ceratophora contains procoagulants which have not yet been adequately identified. Such toxins provoke hemostasis (blood coagulation) and, in sufficient doses, can lead to consumption coagulopathy and non-coagulability of the blood due to the consumption of coagulation factors . As a result, hemorrhages (bleeding) occur. However, coagulopathy after poisonous bites by Atheris ceratophora is rare. Secondary damage to the kidneys or allergic reactions as complications cannot be excluded. According to clinical reports, there is no necrosis . Cardiotoxic (cardiac damaging) effects were not observed. Treatment is symptomatic; specific antivenins are not available.
Way of life
Atheris ceratophora is mainly active during twilight and night. It is adapted to an arboricolous , climbing way of life, but is also observed on the ground, for example between tufts of grass. The prey spectrum of the species includes amphibians (especially frog species of the genus Hyperolius ) as well as small birds , mammals and geckos . Reproduction occurs through ovoviviparia , so the females are viviparous.
distribution
The distribution area is in Tanzania and extends over the mountainous regions of Usambara , Uluguru and Uzungwe . The species occurs at altitudes from 1400 to 3000 m above sea level. The habitat is represented by montane forest regions with changing precipitation intensity and seasonal average temperatures between 11 and 25 ° C. Finds from the immediate vicinity of water bodies, open areas and plantations are also known.
Danger
The IUCN Red List lists Atheris ceratophora as 'vulnerable' (endangered). This is justified by a small distribution area and the decline in the natural habitat. Specimens are rarely found. No data are available on the stability of the populations .
Individual evidence
- ↑ Clinical Toxinology Resources, University of Adelaide: Atheris ceratophora (accessed October 18, 2016)
- ↑ IUCN Red List: Atheris ceratophora (accessed October 18, 2016)
literature
- Ludwig Trutnau: poisonous snakes . Eugen Ulmer, Stuttgart 1998, ISBN 3-8001-7371-9 .
