Subphylum Vertebrata Rank Species | Phylum Chordata Class Reptilia Suborder Serpentes | |
 | ||
Similar Atheris ceratophora, Bush vipers, Atheris desaixi, Atheris chlorechis, Atheris hispida | ||
Atheris matildae, also known as Matilda's horned viper, is a species of arboreal forest viper endemic to Tanzania.
Contents
Discovery
It was discovered in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania during a 2010–2011 biological survey. The exact location of the viper is unspecified, to protect it from being collected for the illegal pet trade. The snake was described as a new species on December 6, 2011, in a study published in the journal, Zootaxa. A captive breeding colony has already been established by the authors of the study.
Behavior
The species is most likely a nocturnal hunter, waiting by streams to ambush frogs.
Description
It resembles Atheris ceratophora, the Usambara bush viper.
Conservation status
Matilda's horned viper occupies only a small area further threatened by logging and charcoal production.
Origin of name
A. matildae was named after Matilda, the daughter of Tim Davenport, the director of the Wildlife Conservation Society in Tanzania and a member of the three-person team to have discovered the snake.
