{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Taxon",
  "slug": "gaboon-viper",
  "name": "Gaboon Viper",
  "scientificName": "Bitis gabonica",
  "category": "Reptile",
  "summary": "The gaboon viper (Bitis gabonica) is a heavy rainforest viper of Central and West Africa with the longest fangs of any venomous snake — often over 3 cm. Adults may weigh 8 kg or more, ambush mammals in leaf litter, and are listed Least Concern, though bites are medical emergencies.",
  "conservationStatus": "Least Concern",
  "taxonomy": {
    "kingdom": "Animalia",
    "phylum": "Chordata",
    "class": "Reptilia",
    "order": "Squamata",
    "family": "Viperidae",
    "genus": "Bitis"
  },
  "stats": {
    "weightKg": 8,
    "lengthM": 1.5,
    "topSpeedKmh": 3,
    "lifespanYears": 20
  },
  "facts": [
    {
      "label": "Scientific name",
      "value": "Bitis gabonica"
    },
    {
      "label": "Diet",
      "value": "Carnivore"
    },
    {
      "label": "Habitat",
      "value": "Forest floor leaf litter"
    },
    {
      "label": "Lifespan",
      "value": "Around 20 years in the wild (varies by population and captivity)."
    },
    {
      "label": "Weight",
      "value": "About 8 kg typical adult mass (sex and region vary)."
    },
    {
      "label": "Top speed",
      "value": "Up to roughly 3 km/h when moving at speed."
    },
    {
      "label": "Conservation status",
      "value": "Least Concern (IUCN)"
    }
  ],
  "range": {
    "nativeRange": "Rainforests and woodland of Central and West Africa.",
    "continents": [
      "Africa"
    ]
  },
  "sources": [],
  "lastReviewed": "2026-07-16",
  "canonicalUrl": "https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/gaboon-viper/",
  "license": {
    "name": "CC BY-NC 4.0",
    "url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/",
    "attribution": "Global Animal Guide — https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/gaboon-viper/",
    "note": "Free to reuse for non-commercial purposes with attribution and a link back to the canonical page."
  }
}