Atheris matildae

Atheris matildae
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Viperidae
Subfamily: Viperinae
Genus: Atheris
Species: A. matildae
Binomial name
Atheris matildae
Menegon, Davenport & Howell, 2011

Atheris matildae, also known as Matilda's horned viper, is a species of arboreal forest viper endemic to Tanzania.

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.[1] 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.[1]

Behavior

The species is most likely a nocturnal hunter, waiting by streams to ambush frogs.

Description

It resembles Atheris ceratophora, the Usambara bush viper.[2][3]

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.[4]

References

Further reading