Gaboon viper

Photographed by © Mark Kostich

Scientific Name: Bitis gabonica

Nick Name:

Size: Average 1.2 meters, maximum 1.8 meters.

Appearance: Pink to brown with a vertebral series of elongated yellowish or light brown spots connected by hourglass-shaped markings on each side. It has a dark brown stripe behind each eye. This dangerous viper is almost invisible on the forest floor

Type of Venom: Its venom is neurotoxic and hemotoxic. It injects a large amount of venom when it strikes.

Nature: It is not aggressive, but it will stand its ground if approached. It bites when molested or stepped on. It bites when molested or stepped on. It comes out in the evening to feed.

Distribution: Most of Africa.

Habitat: Dense rain forests. Occasionally found in open country

Feeds on:

Side Line:

• Itis the largest and heaviest of all true vipers, having a very large triangular head. It comes out in the evening to feed.

• A 1.8-meter-long Gaboon viper could weigh 16 kilograms. 

• Its fangs are enormous, often measuring 5 centimeters long.