Western bush viper

Western bush viper

We are delighted that Sabrina & Alexander von Boguszewski have taken over the sponsorship of the western bush viper. Congratulations! This sponsorship supports the rainforest exhibition at Museum Koenig.

A small venomous snake of the West African rainforest that is well adapted to climbing in the bushes thanks to its prehensile tail. Like all vipers, it has slit-shaped pupils that only open in the dark, indicating that it is active at night. During the day, it warms itself in the sun in the bushes, which has led to several bite accidents. Although its venom is unpleasant and causes tissue necrosis, it is significantly weaker than that of many other vipers, not only in Africa. This species is typical of the rainforests of West Africa; it is represented further east by several related species.