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What is a Gaboon viper?
The Gaboon viper ( Bitis gabonica) is a viper species found in the rainforests and savannas of sub-Saharan Africa. Like all vipers, it is venomous. It is the largest member of the genus Bitis, and it has the longest fangs of any venomous snake – up to 2 inches (5 cm) in length – and the highest venom yield of any snake.
What do Gaboons Vipers eat?
They hunt for rodents and other small mammals, ground-living or feeding birds, toads, and frogs. There are some accounts of Gaboons vipers ingesting porcupines, large rats, and even fully-grown elk, but these are rare occasions.
Do Gaboon vipers hiss when threatened?
Since Gaboon vipers, as we know, aren’t very confrontational, they usually hiss when threatened, rather than attack. I mentioned before that Gaboon vipers detect movement through vibrations. Gaboons are so skilled at this that they can distinguish between different animals based on their movements alone.
What is the largest viper in Africa?
Gaboon viper. Bitis gabonica, most commonly known as the Gaboon viper, is a viper species found in the rainforests and savannas of sub-Saharan Africa. Like all vipers, it is venomous. It is the largest member of the genus Bitis, and it has the longest fangs – up to 2 inches in length (5 cm) – and the highest venom yield of any snake.
What happens if you get bit by a Gaboon viper?
In humans, a bite from a Gaboon viper causes rapid and conspicuous swelling, intense pain, severe shock, and local blistering. Other symptoms may include uncoordinated movements, defecation, urination, swelling of the tongue and eyelids, convulsions, and unconsciousness. Blistering, bruising, and necrosis may be extensive.
What are the Predators of the Gaboon viper?
There are no known predators of the Gaboon viper in the wild. Their camouflage is not meant to allow them to hide from predators. Instead, it allows them to stay out of sight of their prey until it is too late to flee. If threatened by a human, a Gaboon viper will sound a loud hiss as a warning.
What do Gaboon vipers eat?
They eat small and medium-sized mammals and birds. Gaboon vipers are passive hunters, waiting concealed to strike at whatever small creatures pass within range. Most snakes strike and release, but this viper holds on until its prey dies.
Did a 16-year-old steal Gaboon vipers from the National Zoo?
A 16-year-old named Louis Morton stole two Gaboon vipers from the National Zoo, smashing their glass case and stuffing them into a plastic garbage bag.
Scientifically named the Bitis gabonica, the Gaboon viper is the largest snake on the African continent. The Gaboon is notorious for its intricately patterned scales, its deceptively unaggressive behavior, and its deadly bite. Turns out, they are actually a pretty cool snake, and you’re about to learn everything there is to know about it.
How fast can a Gaboon Viper Strike?
Despite the fact that it’s sluggish and slow-moving, the Gaboon viper has one of the faster strikes around; its head moves at between 175 and 200 mph. It also hangs on. Unlike the mamba, which administers multiple bites in fractions of a second, the viper takes hold and lets go only when whatever it has bitten is taking leave of Earth.