Despite its conservation importance, the Mount Kenya Bush Viper is only little studied. Information on its population size, distribution, habitat requirements, and ecological needs is almost entirely lacking. Without this baseline information, it is impossible to implement effective conservation measures and protect this species in the wild. During this project, I aim to generate the first comprehensive dataset to help conservation planning for this gorgeous snake. I will conduct field surveys across forest fragments surrounding Mount Kenya, with suitable habitat but few or no confirmed records. These surveys will determine current occurrence, refine the species’ distribution, and produce an updated range map. The results will be used to identify priority sites for habitat protection, restoration, and I will set up a long-term monitoring program to track the species over time.

Alongside field surveys and setting up monitoring, I will work with local communities to raise awareness and work on human-snake coexistence. The Mount Kenya Bush Viper is not found in any nationally protected forest and occurs only in semi-protected forest patches with a lot of human movement and disturbance. These forests are surrounded by densely populated, agriculture-focused communities, including tea estates and smallholder farms. Human-snake encounters are common, and snakes are often killed out of fear. I will work with both adults and visit schools to teach people and children about the importance of snakes, how to identify them, what to do when encountering a snake and snakebite first aid.