Gaboon Viper
Bitis gabonica
One of the largest vipers in the world, with the longest fangs and the highest venom yield of any snake, yet remarkably placid in temperament.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 1.2-1.8 m (4-6 ft)
- Range
- Sub-Saharan Africa, tropical rainforest regions
Found a snake like this?
Identify any snake from a photo, free.
Overview
The Gaboon viper holds several superlatives among snakes: it possesses the longest fangs of any venomous species, reaching up to 5 centimeters, and delivers one of the largest venom yields per bite of any snake in the world. Despite this formidable arsenal, it is known for an unusually calm and sluggish temperament, rarely striking unless provoked.
Its geometric camouflage pattern of interlocking triangles and rectangles renders it nearly invisible against the leaf litter of the rainforest floor.
How to identify it
- Massive, heavy-bodied build with a broad, flattened, arrow-shaped head
- Complex geometric pattern of brown, tan, purple, and cream rectangles and triangles across the back
- Small horn-like projections above each nostril in some populations
- Vertical pupils and long fangs housed in a large venom gland-supported head
- Distinguished from the related puff adder by larger size, more elaborate pattern, and nasal horns
Habitat & range
Found in lowland tropical rainforests and adjacent woodlands across west and central sub-Saharan Africa, favoring leaf litter on the forest floor where its camouflage is most effective.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and largely sedentary, relying on camouflage and ambush rather than active pursuit of prey. Feeds on rodents, birds, and other small vertebrates. Live-bearing, producing large litters of young.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Gaboon viper have the longest fangs of any snake?
Yes, it has the longest fangs of any venomous snake species, up to about 5 centimeters.
Is the Gaboon viper aggressive?
No, despite its potent venom it is generally slow-moving and reluctant to strike.
Where does the Gaboon viper live?
In tropical rainforests across west and central sub-Saharan Africa.
How can you identify a Gaboon viper?
Look for its huge size, geometric leaf-like pattern, and broad flattened head, sometimes with small nasal horns.
Gaboon Viper guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Gaboon Viper.
