Atheris

Atheris is a genus of venomous snakes in the family Viperidae, commonly known as bush vipers. Endemic to tropical Africa, these arboreal snakes are small to medium in size, typically under one meter in length, with some individuals approaching that size. They possess stout bodies, triangular heads, and keeled scales that aid in camouflage within dense foliage. Their coloration varies by species and habitat, commonly green, yellow, or brown with irregular patterning.

The genus comprises several species distributed in West, Central, and East African forests, from the Guinean coastal forests to the Congo Basin and the eastern highlands. They occupy a range of habitats from lowland rainforests to montane shrubland, often staying among trees and vines where they hunt.

Behavior and diet: Bush vipers are primarily ambush predators. They feed on small vertebrates such as lizards, frogs, birds, and occasionally small rodents. They rely on stealth, camouflage, and a slow approach rather than speed.

Venom and medical significance: Atheris species are venomous and equipped with long fangs. Their bites can cause significant local tissue damage and systemic effects in some cases. Bites require urgent medical evaluation, and treatment follows standard protocols for viper envenomation; availability of species-specific antivenoms varies by region.

Reproduction and conservation: Reproduction details vary by species; information is not uniform across the genus. Habitat loss and forest fragmentation threaten several species, and the overall conservation status is variable across the genus, with several taxa considered of concern in parts of their range.