Atheris chlorechis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Atheris chlorechis |
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Atheris
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| Species: |
chlorechis
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The Atheris chlorechis is a type of venomous viper found only in the forests of West Africa. It is also known by common names like the western bush viper, West African leaf viper, or West African tree viper. This snake is the main example for its group of snakes, called its genus.
The bite of an Atheris chlorechis is very serious. Its venom can cause major problems throughout the body. There is currently no specific medicine (called an antivenom) to treat its bite.
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What Does the Western Bush Viper Look Like?
Adult Atheris chlorechis snakes are usually about 50 cm (20 inches) long. Some can grow up to 70 cm (28 inches). They have a long tail and a fairly thin body.
Their bodies are covered in 25 to 36 rows of scales. These scales have strong ridges, almost like tiny bumps. Each ridge ends in a small swelling.
Colors of the West African Leaf Viper
Adult snakes are a bright, uniform light green color. They have faint yellow spots that run along their back. These spots are usually in pairs and are about 2.5 cm (1 inch) apart. The snake's belly is a pale green.
Baby Atheris chlorechis snakes are born tan-brown. Within 24 hours, their color changes to yellow-green. They also develop irregular dark spots. This different color pattern is only seen in young snakes less than 25 cm (10 inches) long.
Where Does the West African Tree Viper Live?
The Atheris chlorechis is found in West Africa. Its home range stretches from Sierra Leone through Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast, and Ghana. It can also be found in southern Togo.
Some older records mention this snake in Nigeria, Cameroon, and Gabon. However, these records are now thought to be incorrect. The first place this snake was officially found and described was in Boutre, Ghana.
What is the Bush Viper's Habitat?
These snakes live in forests. They prefer to stay in thick leaves and branches. You can usually find them about 1 to 2 meters (3 to 6 feet) above the ground.
What Does the Western Bush Viper Eat?
The Atheris chlorechis is known to hunt and eat small animals. Its diet includes rodents, lizards, and tree frogs.
How Does the West African Leaf Viper Reproduce?
Female Atheris chlorechis snakes give birth to live young. They usually have 6 to 9 babies at a time. This happens between March and April. Newborn snakes are quite small, measuring about 131 to 151 mm (5 to 6 inches) in length.
