Gaboon viper

Bitis gabonica

Size: Total length 0.8–1.8 m · 4–11 kg
Diet: Carnivore
Activity: Nocturnal
Sociality: Solitary
Lifespan: 18–20 years

The Gaboon viper is a heavy forest viper camouflaged like leaf litter. It has exceptionally long fangs and ambushes prey from the ground.

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Key facts

Gaboon viper (Bitis gabonica) is a carnivore animal classified as Reptile · Squamata · Viperidae.
Primary habitats are forest, with a range across Afrotropical.
Activity is nocturnal, sociality is solitary, and conservation status is VU (Vulnerable).
The Gaboon viper is a heavy forest viper camouflaged like leaf litter.
It inhabits Afrotropical forest.
Typical lifespan: 18–20 years

Sources

wikidata.org

Range

Habitat range map

Native rangeOccasional / Transient

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

Details

Habitat

It inhabits Afrotropical forest. Moist leaf litter, fallen timber, and shaded forest floor cover are preferred over open ground.

Appearance

Total length 80-175 cm; weight 4-11 kg. A thick heavy body carries geometric brown patterning that blends with leaves. The head is broad and triangular, with very long venom fangs.

Behavior

Nocturnal and solitary, it often remains almost motionless. When prey approaches, it strikes suddenly from close range.

Feeding

A carnivore, it takes small to medium mammals and birds. Venom subdues prey, which is then swallowed whole.

Reproduction

It gives birth to live young rather than laying eggs. Newborns are venomous and capable of catching small prey.

Notes

It is listed as Vulnerable. Forest loss and killing by people are important local threats.