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Quick answer
The puff adder (Bitis arietans) is a heavy African viper responsible for many snakebite cases across sub-Saharan savanna because it relies on camouflage and stands its ground. Adults weigh several kilograms, ambush rodents and birds, and are listed Least Concern despite medical importance.
Top questions about the Puff Adder
Also available in Español (Víbora africana)
Puff Adder facts at a glance
- Weight 6 kg
- Length 1 m
- Top speed 5 km/h
- Lifespan 15 years
| Scientific name | Bitis arietans |
|---|---|
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Habitat | Savanna, grassland, and rocky hills |
| Lifespan | Around 15 years in the wild (varies by population and captivity). |
| Weight | About 6 kg typical adult mass (sex and region vary). |
| Top speed | Up to roughly 5 km/h when moving at speed. |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Reptilia |
| Order | Squamata |
| Family | Viperidae |
| Genus | Bitis |
Where it lives
The puff adder (Bitis arietans) is native to Savannas across much of sub-Saharan Africa and into the Arabian Peninsula. — recorded across Africa in this guide’s range summary.
For occurrence records, see GBIF species search and sources below.
How big is a puff adder?
An adult puff adder measures 1 m long — about 58% of the height of an average adult person (1.73 m) — and weighs around 6.0 kg, about 9% of an average adult’s body weight (70 kg).
Length vs an average adult’s height (to scale)
What is a group of puff adders called?
Group name (collective noun)
A group of Puff Adders is called a coil.
Baby name
A baby Puff Adder is called a neonate.
Explore more animal collective nouns and baby animal names .
Camouflage and hissing bluff
Chevron patterns blend with leaf litter and grass. When threatened the snake inflates its body and hisses loudly — the "puff" — before a fast strike. Fangs are long and hinged.
Ambush of the savanna night
Diet includes rodents, birds, lizards, and amphibians seized from ambush beside paths and burrows. Slow movement by day makes them easy to step on accidentally.
Senegal to South Africa
Savanna, grassland, and rocky hills across much of sub-Saharan Africa and into parts of the Arabian Peninsula. Across its range it is tied to savanna, grassland, and rocky hills, and field accounts emphasise this species’ distinctive ecology rather than generic habitat labels.
Medical burden, not extinction risk
Least Concern as a species, yet among Africa's most significant causes of venomous snakebite because it is common near people and farms. Footwear, torch use at night, and rapid antivenom access save lives.
Explore the Puff Adder
Related Reptiles
Range & geography
Conservation status of the Puff Adder
The puff adder (Bitis arietans) is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Least Concern (LC) is the IUCN's lowest-risk category, assigned to widespread, abundant species that have been evaluated and found not to be threatened. It does not mean a species faces no pressures — only that it is not currently at risk of extinction.
The puff adder (Bitis arietans) is assessed on the IUCN Red List. Look up on the IUCN Red List .
Frequently asked questions about the Puff Adder
Why do puff adders cause so many bites?
Excellent camouflage, reluctance to flee, and abundance near human paths lead to accidental tread-on strikes.
Is puff adder venom haemotoxic?
It causes severe local tissue damage and coagulopathy; bites need urgent hospital care and antivenom when indicated.
Do puff adders chase people?
No — strikes are defensive at short range; they do not pursue.
How big do puff adders get?
Stout adults commonly near 1 m, with large individuals heavier than many longer, slender snakes.
Where do puff adders live?
Savannas across much of sub-Saharan Africa and into the Arabian Peninsula.
What is a group of puff adders called?
A group of Puff Adders is called a coil.
What is a baby puff adder called?
A baby Puff Adder is called a neonate.
Sources & references
This guide is compiled and reviewed against established zoological and conservation references. Key sources for the Puff Adder:
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IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Conservation status (Least Concern) reflects the IUCN Red List category for Bitis arietans.
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iNaturalist — observations & photos
Search citizen-science observations and community IDs for Bitis arietans. Useful for range checks and recent sightings — not a substitute for formal Red List status.
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GBIF — occurrence data
Global Biodiversity Information Facility species search for Bitis arietans. Explore published occurrence records used in range research.
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Global Animal Guide editorial standards
How we research, source, review, and update every guide for accuracy.
