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What is a Gaboon viper?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
Can a Gaboon viper bite without venom?
It is possible for the viper to bite without injecting any venom. This is called a “dry bite.” Gaboon vipers have solenoglyphous teeth. Their fangs rest folded up against the roof of the viper’s mouth, so the snake does not harm itself. When the snake bites its prey, it brings down its fangs to inject the venom.