Atheris barbouri is a small and rare species of terrestrial viper endemic to the Uzungwe and Ukinga mountains of south-central Tanzania in Africa.

[2] Atheris barbouri is a small species reaching only 40 cm (16 in) in total length (including tail).

[6] The body is moderately slender, while the tail is relatively short, shorter than other species in the genus Atheris, and not prehensile.

These stripes may form an irregular chain of darker rhombic blotches down the back.

[2] A terrestrial species, A. barbouri is found in bushes and bamboo undergrowth on mountain slopes at 1,800 m (5,900 ft).

[4] It would seem that moist forest habitats are preferred, but it has also been found in gardens of tea farms.

It was first thought to be a burrowing species, but this is not likely as it has no obvious morphological adaptations for even a semifossorial life.

[4] It is believed that A. barbouri specializes in eating slugs, earthworms, and other soft-bodied invertebrates,[4] and possibly also frogs.