Atheris nitschei Care by Derek Morgan

Atheris nitschei
Great Lakes Bush Viper
Tornier 1902
VENOM TYPE: Hemotoxic
LD50: Unknown
ANTIVENOM: None
Length:
Birth: 6 - 8 inches
Adult: 18 - 30 inches
RANGE: Central Africa from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo north to southern Uganda and into northwestern Tanzania

Introduction:
Also known as the Sedge Viper, Atheris nitschei is a larger species of bush viper that sometimes reaches 30 inches in length. Females are typically heavier bodied than males, though males may reach the same length. There is only one species recognized at this time with no subspecies. The body color is not highly variable and is typically light to dark green, but the anterior portion of the body may be somewhat covered or heavily covered with dark "zig zag" patterns of black, or may simply have black splotches or speckling. The head has a dark V-shape that resembles an arrow head pointing toward the snout. Babies may be a very drab brown or dark gray with thin black banding along the dorsal ridge. These animals are only rarely reproduced in captivity, and imported animals are typically quite drab and dirty when brought in, but then shed to reveal amazing colors. Litter sizes are quite small, with five babies being large. The scales are heavily keeled and when agitated, this species may rub or “rasp” their scales together to make a hissing sound to scare away potential predators. This species will also not hesitate to strike and is known for its typical ill temper, though some specimens may become quite subdued in captivity. The tail is prehensile and is used for grasping, and sometimes hanging from branches to ambush unsuspecting prey. Tail tips are typically black or body colored in adults, but may be yellow in newborns and may be used for caudal luring of prey. This bush viper gets its name from the fact that its native range surrounds three mountainous lakes in Africa.

Caging:
It is recommended that all animals be caged individually, even though aggression and cannibalism have not been witnessed with this species. Males and females can be testy during breeding cycles and care should be taken to avoid any unnecessary bites. Tall, spacious cages are needed for this species to exhibit their natural arboreal tendencies, though the degree of arboreal time may vary from individual to individual. They have also been kept quite successfully in tubs in rack systems with just enough height given for the animals to get off of the floor of the cages. Being ambush predators, they can be quite inactive at times, but may roam their cages at night during other times.

Contrary to previous information, I have witnessed all of my bush vipers drinking from water bowls and I supply one with fresh water at all times. Supplemental misting may be beneficial, especially to fresh imports not accustomed to the water bowl yet.

This species has a reputation for not living long in captivity. Even animals that appear to be healthy and adjusted and are feeding will many times perish for no obvious reason. Typically heavily parasitized and dehydrated upon import, many animals are in bad shape when they are acquired. If healthy animals can be attained by experienced arboreal keepers, a longer life span can be expected. The inexperienced keeper should look elsewhere for a hardier species.

Environmental Conditions:
Substrate: Anything from newspaper to Repti Bark to cypress mulch has been used successfully with this species. Substrate typically comes down to keeper preferences, but cedar mulch should be avoided with all reptiles.

Hidespot: May be used more frequently by certain individuals, but not at all by others. I always offer a hide spot, whether it is a half-moon bark hide, or just a dense cluster of plastic plant leaves. Some animals will sit out in the open most of the time, but some may hide in leaf clusters during the day, so an arboreal and a terrestrial hide may become necessary.

Humidity: Is somewhat variable in the wild with this species. Their natural habitat is elevated montane forest to 2800 meters, and they experience dry and wet seasons, but not to the extent of the lower elevation areas. While not quite considered a “cloud forest” species, this species does like it damper and cooler than some other species of Atheris.

Temperature: A thermal gradient should be offered, with the warm end of the enclosure in the upper 70’s (F) and the cool end in the upper to mid 60’s (F). Offer both a hidespot and a roost on both ends of the spectrum so that the snake doesn’t have to pick a proper roosting spot over the proper temperature that it wants to be in. Nighttime drops of 10-15 degrees are acceptable, if desired to do so.


Adult Male Atheris nitschei. Photograph by Derek Morgan
Feeding:
In captivity, many bush vipers will feed to obesity, especially females. It’s far too easy for the keeper to eagerly feed an animal that so readily enjoys being fed, but this is usually to the detriment of the animals. Fat animals do not breed well and do not live long. Appropriately-sized rodents are the typical diet in captivity and they are higher in fat content than the frogs and lizards that make up most of their diet in the wild, so feed accordingly. Babies may be fed weekly to encourage rapid and healthy growth, but as they mature, feedings should decrease in frequency. I feed juveniles every 10-14 days and adults may go 3-5 weeks between feedings, depending on the time of year. Males may go off of food entirely for months at a time during the off season, but will feed regularly at other times of the year.

Neonates typically will take to baby mice (pinkies) with little problem, but some babies may be stubborn. The neonates may be tiny and will need the pinkies cut into parts for them to feed on and may need to be tease fed. Tease feeding involves tapping the baby’s tail, body, or nose with the prey item in order to entice it to eat. Also, being nocturnal, problematic feeders may respond better to nighttime feedings.

Venom:
While considered mildly venomous at one time, it has since been proven that Atheris bites in general are serious bites. There is no antivenin manufactured specifically for the species, but it has been reported that Echis polyvalent has been effective in treating bites of other Atheris species.

Courtesy of Derek Morgan
http://www.arborealvipers.com/nitschei.html