Usambara bush vipers in captivity
(Atheris ceratophora)
By Marthinus C. Harmse. mharmse7@gmail.com
When God created all creatures He surely did not award physical size to the Usambara, but instead he gave it twice the heart to stand its ground against bigger foe. When threatened, coiled up specimens often rub the lateral scales over one another to produce a sand paper sound, whilst others are known to literally leap towards the harasser.
The assumption that this little montane forest species’ captive needs are similar to other members in its genus is too often both the keeper and the animal’s downfall. Once the keeper has gone to the necessary lengths to provide for this species’ specific needs, they prove to be very rewarding.
It is of interest to note that these fascinating snakes are considered by some to be closely related to Adenorhinos barbouri with which it shares part of its distribution.
Temperature range:
An ambient daytime temperature of 23 to 24 °C is ideal. They are able to withstand slightly higher temperatures but this should definitely not be made a habit of, especially so if your specimens are not captive bred. Note that a small basking area is to be provided, as it is used quite frequently. The local temperature of such a small basking area should be 28 to 30°C [max]. Make provision for ample ventilation above this local basking spot to avoid trapping the rising heat in the snake’s enclosure, which will in-turn cause an increase in the ambient cage temperature.
A night time temperature of 4°C below day-time temperature should suffice at night time. The golden rule to keeping these snakes successfully is rather too cold than too hot. When cooling methods such as traditional air-conditioning is employed, do avoid a continuous breeze flowing through the cage as it may induce respiratory problems which so often occur in most bush viper species.
Many keepers have kept these animals at much higher temperatures but the long term successes with such animals tend to zero.
Diet:
Similar to African adders, over feeding this species often leads to overweight animals and may eventually lead to death.
It is suggested that adult Usambaras be fed medium sized pink mice once every 12 days.
Considering that their natural staple prey is actually frogs and toads, the keeper may spoil these little vipers by offering young African red toads (Schismaderma carens) which also contain less fat than pinks. It has been done on numerous occasions with great success leading to happy snakes.
Off course frogs and toads may carry parasites, so freezing these before offering them may be a better idea. Do not confuse African red toads for any other toad species if you are considering it, else rather refrain from doing so before your snake dies from poisoning after misidentification.
Habits, caging and reproduction:
This sexually dimorphic, females rarely exceed 50 cm, and males 35cm.
Notoriously difficult to breed in captivity, this species is not advised for intermediate hobbyists who wish to attempt breeding their first Atheris.
Gestation period: 240 days. [Edited as requested - BushSnake]
Well ventilated cages with dimensions:
• 0.60m in height
• 0.45m in width
• 0.45m in depth.
Do not be shy with plastic plants and the use of polymeric mesh in your terrarium, as this will make a new snake less stressed, and more at home.
They are bush vipers after all.