Atheris katangensis
Atheris katangensis is a venomous viper species endemic to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
| Atheris katangensis | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Viperidae |
| Genus: | Atheris |
| Species: | A. katangensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Atheris katangensis | |
It is found only in a limited area in the east of the country.[2] No subspecies are currently recognized.[5]
Description
It attains a maximum total length (body + tail) of only 40 cm (16 in), making this the smallest member of the genus Atheris.[2]
The head is flat, triangular, distinct from the neck, and covered with small keeled scales. The snout is rounded. Midbody there are 24–31 rows of dorsal scales. The tail is short. Males and females have 45–59 and 38–42 subcaudal scales respectively.[2]
The color pattern consists of a purple-brown or yellow-brown ground color, overlaid with paired dorsolateral lines of a contrasting shade. These lines may break into a zigzag pattern and run from head to tail. The belly is yellowish, as is the tip of the tail.[2]
Common names
Shaba bush viper,[2][3] Katanga Mountain bush viper,[4] Upemba bush viper, Katanga bush viper,[6] Katanga tree viper.[7]
Geographic range
Restricted to Upemba National Park, Katanga Province (Shaba Province) in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The type locality given is "Mubale-Munte (région du confluent), sous-affluent de la rive droite de la Lufira [alt. 1480], Park National de l'Upemba".[1]
Habitat
Gallery forest along rivers at altitudes between 1,200 and 1,500 meters (about 4,000–5,000 ft).[3]
References
- McDiarmid RW, Campbell JA, Touré T. 1999. Snake Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference, Volume 1. Washington, District of Columbia: Herpetologists' League. 511 pp. ISBN 1-893777-00-6 (series). ISBN 1-893777-01-4 (volume).
- Mallow D, Ludwig D, Nilson G. 2003. True Vipers: Natural History and Toxinology of Old World Vipers. Malabar, Florida: Krieger Publishing Company. 359 pp. ISBN 0-89464-877-2.
- Spawls S, Branch B. 1995. The Dangerous Snakes of Africa. Ralph Curtis Books. Dubai: Oriental Press. 192 pp. ISBN 0-88359-029-8.
- Atheris katangensis at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 2 August 2007.
- "Atheris katangensis". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 13 July 2006.
- Atheris katangensis at The World Of Atheris. Accessed 8 September 2007.
- Brown JH. 1973. Toxicology and Pharmacology of Venoms from Poisonous Snakes. Springfield, Illinois: Charles C. Thomas. 184 pp. LCCCN 73–229. ISBN 0-398-02808-7.
Further reading
- de Witte G-F. 1953. Exploration du Parc National de l'Upemba. Mission G.F. de Witte en collaboration avec W. Adam, A. Janssens, L. van Meel et R. Verheyen (1946–1949). Fascicule 6: Reptiles. Brussels: Institut des Parcs Nationaux du Congo Belge. 322 pp. + 111 figures, 38 plates, 3 color plates, 1 map. (Atheris katangensis, p. 301).