Fangtastic Facts
Gaboon Viper
(Bitis gabonica)
The gaboon viper (Bitis gabonica) is the largest viper in Africa. It has the longest fangs of any snake worldwide, measuring 5cm in length. This snake can blend into its environment, as the stunning geometric pattern on its body matches fallen leaf litter on the forest floor. It may be confused for the rhinoceros viper (Bitis nasicornis), which has a similar appearance but displays more vivid colours.
Description
It has a massive, stout body and one of the broadest heads of any snake. Its head is triangular, with small, vertical pupils that are suited to its nocturnal lifestyle.
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Its colouring is a striking mixture of brown, purple, pink, grey, buff and yellow, arranged in symmetrical diamonds, rectangles, triangles and stripes. These geometric shapes break up the snake’s outline, helping it disappear among leaf litter and patches of sunlight and shadow.
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Two small, horn-like scales project from the tip of the snout. The head also has dark markings that help disguise the position of its eyes. Large venom glands behind the eyes contribute to the head's extraordinary width.
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Most of its body is covered in large, strongly keeled scales with a slightly velvety appearance. The underside is pale yellow with scattered dark markings.
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It can weigh more than 20kg and exceed 1.8 metres in length.
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Important: Colour, markings, and overall appearance can vary considerably between individual snakes. Photographs, descriptions and information on this website should not be relied upon to identify a potentially venomous snake. If you encounter a snake, keep your distance and leave identification and removal to trained professionals.
The pattern on gaboon vipers (Bitis gabonica) assist it to blend in with leaf litter on the forest floor. Photography: © Danny Ye/Shutterstock
Distribution
Gaboon vipers are found across the equatorial belt, in parts of central, east and west Africa.
Habitat
Found in moist and dry rainforests and wet areas, this species dwells on the forest floor in leaf litter. The intricate patterns on its back help it blend in and break up its outline among the leaves. This camouflage protects it and helps it remain undetected while lying in wait for prey.
Diet
As a passive hunter, this species waits hidden in leaf litter for its next meal to pass by. Once in range, the snake strikes rapidly and holds onto its prey until the venom takes effect. Common food sources include frogs, birds and small mammals, and it has even been known to consume small forest antelope.
Behaviour
Bites generally occur when the snake is accidentally stepped on. The camouflage offered by fallen leaf litter makes it difficult to notice and has resulted in some serious bites. Although this snake will bite to defend itself, gaboon vipers are generally placid and prefer to hide rather than engage with humans.
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When this viper feels threatened, it raises the upper part of its body and hisses as a warning. If it bites, it can choose whether to inject venom or deliver a dry bite.
Reproduction
Mating season generally coincides with the beginning of the rainy season. During this period, males engage in ritualised combat, entwining their bodies and attempting to push one another down with their heads. Following mating, a gestation period of approximately seven months to one year precedes the birth of live young.
Gaboon vipers are ovoviviparous, meaning embryos develop in eggs retained inside the female. The young hatch internally and are then born live. Females can birth 50-60 young at a time.
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Gaboon vipers can live for around 20 years.
Venom
This species has large venom glands that can deliver large quantities of venom. The venom helps the snake digest its food and is delivered through very long fangs that fold back into the snake's mouth like a switchblade.
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The venom is cytotoxic and causes significant tissue damage. It also contains haemotoxins and cardiotoxins, which can affect the blood and cardiovascular system. Neurotoxic components may also disrupt normal nerve function.
Predators
The design of these snakes offers strong protection, as they lie camouflaged in their habitat. Predators may include honey badgers, birds of prey and warthogs. Gaboon vipers are also killed by humans or removed from the wild for the illegal pet and skin trades.
Conservation status
The IUCN Red List classifies the gaboon viper as vulnerable. People seek the species for food and traditional medicine, particularly in West Africa, and harvest its skin for products such as wallets and shoes. Habitat loss has further affected the species by reducing the availability of suitable native vegetation and habitat.
Fangtastic Fact
​Gaboon vipers can look forward and backwards at the same time! Stop for a moment and try it. You will quickly see humans don’t possess that ability. The position of its eyes give it a wide range of vision.
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