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Do you want to find out some interesting facts about the bush viper species?
Have you ever wondered what it is that makes the bush vipers so fascinating and special?
If you are looking for facts related to the bush viper snakes, then you’re definitely in the RIGHT PLACE. In fact, today we are taking a look at some fascinating facts about the bush viper and all the different types of bush vipers that are found in the world, as well as understanding what makes them as special as they are.
We will share with you a big list of 11 fantastic bush viper facts that are equally interesting and informative at the same time. From how they are different from other species to spiny bush viper facts and facts about their other species, birthing techniques, where they live and how they behave and more, there are a lot of aspects we will be looking into. So, if any of this is what you are looking for, or even if it just tickles your curiosity, do read on!
11 Fascinating Facts About The Bush Viper
Here are some of the bush viper facts that will make for an interesting read.
Bush Viper Fact #1:
They are considered small for snakes.
- As compared to other types of snakes, bush vipers have a slender and tapering build and a smaller body.
- Also, their bodies are a little compressed, which makes them look even smaller in comparison to other snakes.
- The total body length of an adult bush viper snake from the top of the head till the tip of the tail is usually between 16 inches and a maximum of 31 inches.
Bush Viper Fact #2:
They have larger eyes than other snakes.
- If you compare a bush viper to any other snake, you will notice that their eyes are quite large in relation to the overall size of their body.
- Bush vipers have elliptical pupils. This type of pupil makes it easier for them to be able to see in the dark, and it also makes it easier for them to find their prey when they are out to hunt.
Bush Viper Fact #3:
Bush viper venom is extremely poisonous!
- Bush vipers are born venomous, which means that they already have venom in them when they are born. Bush vipers are left to fend for themselves and have to hunt on their own soon after they are born!
- The venom of the bush viper is extremely hemotoxic, which means that it will destroy the red blood cells and may cause organ degeneration as well as tissue damage.
- The venom can cause severe pain, swelling as well as problems of blood clotting.
- Their bites are known to cause severe cases of hemorrhage that can also turn fatal.
- Till now, there is no anti-venom known for this type of venom.
Bush Viper Fact #4:
They give birth to live young, which have developed inside the body of the female bush viper.
- All types of the bush viper species are known to be ovoviviparous.
- This means that they have a type of reproduction system in which the embryo that develops inside the egg once the female bush viper has conceived remains inside the mother’s body itself, till it becomes ready to hatch.
- In this type of a reproduction system, there is no connection of the embryo with the mother’s placenta.
- This means that the baby that is developing inside the mother’s body does not get any nutrition from the mother directly, but instead receives it from a yolk sac.
- In the case of bush vipers, the mating season is usually between the months of October and November, and the female bush vipers give birth to live young bush vipers between the months of March and April.
Bush Viper Fact #5:
Bush vipers usually live above the ground.
- Bush vipers are arboreal animals and this means that they mainly live in trees.
- Also, bush vipers mostly prefer to live on the upper parts of the trees or on the upper areas of the bushy plants.
- They are rarely seen on the ground, but sometimes, when they are out for hunting and are after a prey, they can be found on the ground, or on areas near the ground.
Bush Viper Fact #6:
The bush viper habitat is in the rain forest.
- In most cases, bush vipers prefer to live in and thrive in rain forest habitats.
- They are found in areas that are far away from any human habitation or human activity.
Bush Viper Fact #7:
They are nocturnal and are typically quiet during the day.
- Bush vipers are nocturnally active animals and like to stay inactive during the day time.
- They mostly like to sleep through the day and hunt at night.
Bush Viper Fact #8:
What does a bush viper eat? Amphibians?!
- If you have wondered about what do bush vipers eat, they typically like to eat different types of amphibian creatures.
- The diet of a bush viper will usually include frogs, lizards, small rodents and even other small snakes.
- While most species of the bush viper is specialized in eating frogs, they are also very commonly referred to as a species of opportunistic feeders.
- This means that, while they prefer to feed on frogs, they are also open to eat whatever prey comes their way.
Bush Viper Fact #9:
Bush vipers are ambush predators.
- One of the characteristics that bush vipers have similar to most other vipers is the fact that they are ambush predators.
- This means that they are the kind of species that will lie quiet and in wait for a long time.
- However, once they have identified their prey and are in close range, they are able to strike really fast.
- Also, bush vipers mainly hunt while they are in a hanging position.
- A bush viper will conveniently wait in an upper position in the trees or bushy plants. Once it sees the prey within a close range, it will strike within seconds and will hold on to the prey till it dies as a result of the venom. Once the prey is dead, the bush viper swallows its prey.
Bush Viper Fact #10:
Bush viper snakes are mostly loners.
- Bush vipers like to hang themselves from the trees and be on their own.
- In fact, they are mostly the solitary kind of species that likes to be away from other snakes.
- One of the only times when they are seen with another snake is during the mating season.
- Even then, they are said to be monogamous when mating and prefer to be with one partner rather than being with more than one partner.
Bush Viper Fact #11:
The bush viper population is decreasing due to deforestation and the destruction of their habitat.
- Most bush vipers prefer to live in the tropical and rain forest regions.
- However, as a result of deforestation, some of these species are threatened due to destruction of their habitat.
- If something is not done about this type of human activity, we may very well end up affecting the bush viper population dramatically, especially those living in areas devastated by deforestation.
How much more don’t we know about the bush viper?
Because of the fact that the bush vipers are actually creatures that prefer to live in the rainforest, or live in wilderness and areas that are far away from the human inhabitation, it is difficult to know almost everything about them. Also, as these are extremely poisonous snakes, human contact is not very easily made.
We hope you enjoyed this list of fascinating bush viper facts! There is much more to learn about this majestic animal…