Atheris broadleyi, or Broadley's bush viper, is an arboreal species of viper found in Cameroon, Central African Republic, the Republic of the Congo, and (possibly[a]) Nigeria.[1][3][4] The species gets its name in honour of the late Donald G. Broadley, a famous African herpetologist. As with all vipers, A. broadleyi is venomous.[3]
| Atheris broadleyi | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Viperidae |
| Genus: | Atheris |
| Species: | A. broadleyi |
| Binomial name | |
| Atheris broadleyi | |
Description
Atheris broadleyi is a medium-sized, rough scaled viper with varying colours and patterns.[2] It has been thought of as a colour morph of Atheris squamigera on multiple occasions[5][6] and is very similar in appearance.[2]
The venom from Broadley's bush vipers is mainly hemotoxic.[2]
Reproduction
Atheris broadleyi is ovoviviparous.[3]
Distribution
Atheris broadleyi is widely distributed in Cameroon, and its range extends into the Central African Republic and the Republic of the Congo. Its presence in Nigeria requires confirmation.[1] Records from Gabon are considered erraneous.[3]
The type locality of Atheris broadleyi is in the vicinity of Lipondji village, East Province, Cameroon.[3]
Behaviour
Atheris broadleyi is most often nocturnal, but has been known to bask in the sun. Similarly, they are most often arboreal, but have been known to hunt near and on the ground.[2]