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What is a Gaboon viper?
The Gaboon is sometimes called Gabon Viper because the “type” locality (the place where it was found) is in the country of Gabon, western Africa.
What is the biggest Viper in Africa?
Gaboon viper. The Gaboon viper (Bitis gabonica) is a viper species found in the rainforests and savannas of sub-Saharan Africa. Like all vipers, it is venomous. It is the largest member of the genus Bitis, and it has the longest fangs – up to 2 inches in length (5 cm) – and the highest venom yield of any snake.
Are Gaboons big snakes?
Gaboons are big snakes, made bigger by their body bulk. They are the heaviest of snakes for their length. They have the typical viper-triangle head (which, in large snakes may be 6 inches across), with a blunted muzzle and wide-set jaw bones, accommodating the large venom glands and making the back of the head obviously wider than the neck.
How long are the fangs on a Gaboon?
Typical of vipers, the fangs are too long for the closed mouth and fold up against the roof of the mouth when not in use. The Gaboons have the longest fangs (big specimens often have fangs 2 inches long), and highest venom yield of any venomous snake.
How much venom is in a Gaboon viper bite?
In fact, Gaboon vipers’ bites produce the largest quantities of venom of any snake species in existence. Milking a Gaboon for antivenin can yield two grams of dried venom. These snakes can inject up to nine milliliters of venom into a victims’ bloodstream with a single strike.
How long do Gaboon viper snakes live?
However in captivity, the species can live up to 20 – 22 years at a stretch. The sub-Saharan region in Africa consisting of tropical woodlands is an ideal habitat for many venomous snakes, amongst one is the Gaboon viper. The particular coloring of the snake allows it to easily adapt to its surrounding.
Gaboon vipers are ambush predators that live in the rainforests and savannas of Africa. They have two-inch fangs and can inject prey with more venom than any other venomous snake. They have exceptional camouflage. In fact, the most common way to be bitten by a gaboon viper is to step on one without realizing.
What is the difference between a Gaboon and a puff adder?
As a rule of thumb, if the snake is found in open country, it’s not a Gaboon. Gaboons thrive in thick, wet habitats. Puff adders are more accustomed to dry heat and exposure to the sun. They are nocturnal creatures, Gaboons prefer the dark. They tend to take cover under bushes and rocks. Really, any covert hideaway near the ground will do.