A large, robust adder that averages 90 – 120 cm in southern Africa. This beautifully coloured snake occurs from Mtunzini northwards into Mozambique, eastern Zimbabwe and elsewhere further north.
Full Name: Gaboon Adder (Bitis gabonica)
Other Names: Gaboon Viper; Gaboenadder; Skoenlapperadder
Classification: HIGHLY VENOMOUS
A large, robust adder that averages 90 – 120 cm in southern Africa. This beautifully coloured snake occurs from Mtunzini northwards into Mozambique, eastern Zimbabwe and elsewhere further north.
Though mainly active at night, it is fond of basking on the fringes of forests. It is surprisingly placid and may emit a series of long, drawn-out hisses with the forepart of the body elevated if threatened.
This snake has a potent predominantly cytotoxic venom. Symptoms may include shock, severe pain, swelling, blistering and necrosis. Polyvalent antivenom is effective. The Gaboon Adder is threatened by habitat destruction and is listed as ‘Near Threatened’ in the latest assessment.
