A large, robust adder that averages 1 meter, but may reach 1.7 m. This beautifully-coloured snake occurs in savanna, coastal and montane forest.
Full Name: Gaboon Adder (Bitis gabonica)
Classification: HIGHLY VENOMOUS
A large, robust adder that averages 1 meter, but may reach 1.7 m. This beautifully-coloured snake occurs in savanna, coastal and montane forest.
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.
Like the Puff Adder, this snake has a potent predominantly cytotoxic venom. Symptoms may include shock, severe pain, swelling, blistering and necrosis. Polyvalent antivenom is effective against the venom of this snake.
