Gaboon Viper

The Gaboon Viper is a highly venomous snake native to the forests and savannas of Central and West Africa. It is known for its impressive size and its unique, cryptic color pattern.

The Gaboon Viper is an ambush predator that preys on a variety of animals, including rodents and other small mammals. It is also known for having the longest fangs of any venomous snake. Its venom is a powerful hemotoxin that can cause swelling, pain, and tissue damage.

Gaboon Viper

Gaboon Viper

Classification

Reptilia > Squamata > Viperidae > Bitis > B. gabonica

Native To

Conservation Status

Average Height

4 - 6 feet
(1.2 - 1.8 m)

Average Weight

15 - 25 lbs
(6.8 - 11.3 kg)

Average Life Span

15 - 20 years

Gestation Period

8 - 12 months

Diet

Carnivore (rodents, birds)

Social Structure

Solitary

Did You Know?

The Gaboon Viper has the longest fangs of any snake, reaching up to 2 inches (5 cm) in length!

They are known for their incredibly effective camouflage, blending perfectly with leaf litter on the forest floor.

The Gaboon Viper has the largest venom glands of any snake.

Despite its potent venom, it is generally considered a docile snake and rarely strikes unless provoked.

They are nocturnal ambush predators, waiting patiently for prey to pass by.

Their diet primarily consists of rodents, birds, and other small mammals.

The Gaboon Viper is found in the rainforests of Central and West Africa.

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