The Gaboon adder (Bitis gabonica) is a venomous viper snake whose natural habitat is the forests of eastern Zimbabwe and northern Zululand, South Africa. Although it is docile and rarely bites, when it does bite, the patient must be treated urgently. In 70% of the few cases of envenomation, the victim died before arriving at the hospital. The venom of this African viper contains powerful cytotoxins which destroy the body tissues and red blood cells.
Description
The Gaboon adder is a thick and large snake which usually measures between 80 cm and 120 cm (1.20 m). It has a prominent triangular head, which is covered in small scales, with a pair of horn-like scales on the snout. The head is whitish grey, with a thin dark central line. Its body has a geometric pattern of dark and light brown as well as light grey and dull black. The female bears between 40 and 45 young in late Summer. It has a nocturnal activity, preying on mice, squirrels, and lizards.
Below, the Bitis gabonica lying in wait over dry leaves.
