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Bitis gabonica

Bitis gabonica

The Gaboon viper is a large snake known for its beautiful patterns and long fangs. It is a master of camouflage, blending in with the forest floor to stay hidden from predators and catch its prey.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Bitis gabonica is a heavy-bodied viper with a distinct triangular head. Its intricate pattern of browns, tans, and purple-pinks forms incredible geometric shapes, providing perfect camouflage. It also features two prominent, horn-like scales on its nose.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassSquamataOrderSerpentesFamilyViperidaeGenusBitis
Bitis gabonica
spotted trait badgesolitary trait badgecamouflaged trait badgecolorful trait badge
Bitis gabonica

Category

Reptiles

Rarity

Rare

Danger

5/5 · Extreme

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Gaboon vipers have the longest fangs of any snake, over 5 centimeters long!

They possess tiny horn-like scales above their nostrils, giving them a unique look!

This snake can deliver more venom in one bite than any other viper species!

Unlike many snakes, Gaboon vipers give birth to live baby snakes, not eggs!

Special abilities

Ability

Silent Stalker

Bitis gabonica can wait motionless for hours thanks to its ambush hunting strategy, conserving energy while waiting for prey to come near.

Ability

Super Sniffer

Bitis gabonica has specialized heat-sensing pits that help them detect warmth, allowing them to locate warm-blooded prey in darkness.

Ability

Potent Strike

Bitis gabonica can deliver a potent venom through its long fangs that quickly immobilizes prey, ensuring a successful hunt.

Measurements & details

Length
120-180 cm
Weight
7-14 kg
Lifespan
10-18 years
Top Speed
1.5 km/h
Clutch Size
20-40

Diet & Feeding

This snake is a carnivore that ambushes small animals moving through its habitat.

Primary Foods

  • rats
  • mice
  • birds
  • shrews

Foraging Method

  • Ambush

Ecological connections

hunts

Multimammate mouse

Mastomys natalensis

Primary prey for the viper.

hunts

Gambian pouched rat

Cricetomys gambianus

Often ambushed by large adult vipers.

eaten by

Crowned Eagle

Stephanoaetus coronatus

Young snakes can be prey for raptors.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

5/5 · Extreme

If you see a snake in the wild, it's best to stay back and watch from a safe distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Bitis gabonica?

120-180 cm

How much does Bitis gabonica weigh?

7-14 kg

How long does Bitis gabonica live?

10-18 years

How fast can Bitis gabonica move?

1.5 km/h

What does Bitis gabonica eat?

This snake is a carnivore that ambushes small animals moving through its habitat.

Where is Bitis gabonica usually found?

Forests

How does Bitis gabonica hunt?

Ambush

How many eggs does Bitis gabonica lay?

20-40

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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