Atheris katangensis

Witte, 1953

Upemba Bush Viper

Photo courtesy of Robert Grossman
Originally from G.-F. de Witte

Synonyms

none

Etymology

The name refers to the Katanga Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo [formerly Zaire] where it is found.

Other Common Names

Katanga Bush Viper, Shaba Bush Viper

Distribution

Known only from the northeast sector of Upemba National Park in the Shaba (or Katanga) Province of southeastern Democratic Repulblic of Congo [Zaire].

Description

An exceptionally rare bush viper with a maximum length of about 40 cm (16 inches). The reported specimens have varied in color (pale brown to olive or purple brown) but were characterized by a pair of dorsolateral stripes and a series of yellowish spots where the side meets the venter. Venter yellow anteriorly - may become greyish or green posteriorly - spotted with yellow. Tail is relatively short.

Habitat and Behavior

Riverine gallery forests at an altitude of 1250-1480 meters.