Atheris mabuensis captive breeding initiatives

[Ruan Stander]

Does anybody know if there are any captive breeding initiatives taking place with this species ? Have any of them been smuggled abroad ? Successful captive breeding will surely minimize illegal collection for the trade ?

[wadekilian]

Snakes would have to be bred in significant numbers to decrease the illegal collection of that species. Unfortunately with uncommon species like, Atheris mabuensis, there just aren't enough in captivity for that to happen just yet.

If I'm not mistaken, Jamster posted a picture of one a while ago? Wonder if they managed to breed that specimen.

[Ruan Stander]

Definitely, yes, but that is not impossible or unrealistic is it ?

[Serpent]

Never seen or heard of any! They are my favorite atheris of the all, beautiful.

[Ruan Stander]

They are indeed probably the most gorgeous of the Atheris species. I find it quite interesting, together with the extreme southern distribution of this species, for an Atheris, that it bears a striking similarity to Bitis.