Gaboon viper
Conservation Messaging Opportunities
Physical features
Snakes belonging to the Bitis genus have heavy, thick-set bodies with short, slim tails. Gaboon vipers can grow to weigh about 9 to 16 pounds.
The head is wide and triangular and can be up to six inches across with rostral horns on the end.
They have the longest fangs of any snake, reaching two inches in length in the largest individuals.
They have a pattern of triangles and rectangles running along their back in tan, brown, and purple which aids in camouflage while they are amongst foliage at the floor of the rainforest.
They are sexually dimorphic with females growing larger than males.
Range and Habitat
Range – Central and South Africa
Habitat – Forest floors of moist, tropical or rainforest areas
Diet: Carnivore
Wild – Small mammals, birds, frogs, toads, young monkeys, and even small antelopes
Zoo – Rats, rabbits, and mice
Lifespan
Wild – 15-18 years
Zoo – About 18 years
Reproduction
Sexual maturity is reached at about two to three years and correlates with growth and size of an individual. Males have been known to fight over females once they reach maturity.
Mating occurs during rainy season (September and December) and there is a seven month gestation period.
Females are ovoviviparous and generally give birth to about 30 to 40 young at a time, but litters can be as large as 60 individuals.
The young vipers are fully developed and have markings similar to adults at the time of their birth. There is no parental care after birth.
Conservation: Vulnerable
Major threats: habitat destruction
Although not a major threat, they are sometimes found in the bushmeat trade.
Interpretive Information
Most snakes release their prey when they strike, but the Gaboon viper strikes and then holds onto smaller prey until it dies.
They are solitary animals and hunt at night. They prefer to bask in a patch of sunlight and conserve energy during the day.
If threatened, the Gaboon viper will puff up and make a hissing sound before it strikes.
Gaboon vipers may sit and wait in a single spot for weeks at a time waiting for a prey animal to pass by.
References
CITES. (2006). Gaboon Viper. Retrieved December 10, 2006, from CITES Species Database Web site: http://www.cites.org/eng/resources/species.html
Houston Zoo. (2006). Reptiles: Gaboon Viper. Retrieved December 10, 2006, from the Houston Zoo Web site: http://www.houstonzoo.org/Animal/searchAnimal.asp?scriptaction=searchkeyword&Category_ID=6
Howard, J. & Fraser, A. (2006). Bitis gabonica. Retrieved December 10, 2006, from the Animal Diversity Web Web site: http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Bitis_gabonica.html
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. (2005). Gaboon Viper. Retrieved December 10, 2006, from the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens Web site: http://www.jaxzoo.org/things/biofacts/GaboonViper.asp
Waterson, A. R. (Ed.). (1975). Reptiles. In Encyclopedia of the Animal World. (pp. 386-485). New York: Larousse & Co., Inc.
Luiselli, L., Beraduccii, J., Howell, K., Msuya, C.A., Ngalason, W., Chirio, L., Kusamba, C., Gonwouo, N.L., LeBreton, M., Zassi-Boulou, A.-G. & Chippaux, J.-P. 2021. Bitis gabonica. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T13300893A13300904. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-3.RLTS.T13300893A13300904.en. Accessed on 27 October 2023.
Howard, J. 2006. "Bitis gabonica" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed October 27, 2023 at https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Bitis_gabonica/ : accessed 27 October 2023
SPAWLS, S. & BRANCH, B. ( 1 997). - The dangerous snakes of Africa. London, Blandford.
Zoo Atlanta Animal Care Team
Updated January 2024