05 Green Bush Viper

Roger de la Harpe, South Africa

The Green Bush Viper – also know as the Variable Bush Viper, Leaf Viper, Common Bush Viper, Bush Viper or Tree Viper – is a venomous viper species found in West and Central Africa. Green Bush Vipers occur naturally in Central and West Africa, and being quite feisty little snakes, threatening and striking easily, can be quite photogenic. Their very prominent scales also add to their attraction. They are quite venomous, so one doesn’t want to get too close – I used Nikon’s wonderful 200-400mm f/4 lens at 350mm on my D3x to keep me out of striking distance. The dark background is a forest in shade. Nikon D3x, Nikon AF-S 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II, 1/250 sec, f/8, ISO400