Gaboon Adder
Bitis gabonica
One of the largest and heaviest vipers in the world, renowned for its intricate geometric camouflage and formidable fangs.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 1.2-1.8 m (4-6 ft)
- Range
- Tropical rainforests and savanna woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa
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Overview
The Gaboon Adder, more widely known as the Gaboon Viper, is among the most massive vipers on Earth, with a girth and fang length exceeding almost any other snake species. Despite its size and potent venom, it is remarkably docile and slow-moving.
Its stunning pattern of geometric brown, tan, and purplish blotches provides exceptional camouflage on the forest floor among fallen leaves.
How to identify it
- Very large, heavy-bodied viper with a broad triangular head
- Complex geometric pattern of tan, brown, purple, and cream blotches resembling dead leaves
- Small horn-like projections above the nostrils
- Long fangs, among the longest of any snake
- Distinguished from Rhinoceros Viper by less pronounced nasal horns and different pattern layout
Habitat & range
Lowland tropical rainforest and adjacent savanna-woodland mosaics across West, Central, and East Africa. Prefers leaf litter on the forest floor.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and largely sedentary, relying on camouflage to ambush prey including rodents, birds, and small mammals. Generally slow and calm unless provoked. Viviparous, giving birth to large litters of live young.
Frequently asked questions
How large can a Gaboon Adder get?
It can reach up to 1.8 m in length and is one of the heaviest viper species by mass.
Does it have the longest fangs of any snake?
It has among the longest fangs of any snake species, reaching several centimeters.
Is it aggressive?
No, it is generally slow-moving and calm, relying on camouflage rather than aggression.
What does it eat?
Rodents, birds, and other small to medium mammals ambushed from concealment.
Gaboon Adder guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Gaboon Adder.
