Gaboon Viper
Bitis gabonica
One of the largest vipers in the world, with a broad triangular head and remarkably calm movements.
- Adult length
- 1.2-1.8 m (4-6 ft)
- Range
- Sub-Saharan Africa, tropical rainforest regions
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Overview
The Gaboon viper holds several superlatives among snakes, including one of the heaviest bodies of any viper.
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 a large, broad 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
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.
