# Gaboon Viper (*Bitis gabonica*)

> 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.

- **Category:** Reptile
- **Conservation status (IUCN):** Least Concern
- **Range:** Rainforests and woodland of Central and West Africa.
- **Canonical page:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/gaboon-viper/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Scientific classification

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Chordata
- **Class:** Reptilia
- **Order:** Squamata
- **Family:** Viperidae
- **Genus:** Bitis

## Facts at a glance

| Attribute | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Scientific name | Bitis gabonica |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Habitat | Forest floor leaf litter |
| Lifespan | Around 20 years in the wild (varies by population and captivity). |
| Weight | About 8 kg typical adult mass (sex and region vary). |
| Top speed | Up to roughly 3 km/h when moving at speed. |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |

## Fangs and leaf-litter camouflage

Geometric tan-and-purple patterns vanish against dead leaves. Horn-like nasal projections tip some individuals' snouts. Extremely long fangs inject large venom doses in a single strike.

## Ambush of the forest floor

Sit-and-wait predation targets rodents and other small mammals that pass within strike range; they rarely chase. Strike speed is high despite a sluggish daytime reputation.

## Central and West African forests

Rainforest and woodland leaf litter across Central and West Africa. Across its range it is tied to forest floor leaf litter, and field accounts emphasise this species’ distinctive ecology rather than generic habitat labels.

## Feared, not vanishing

Least Concern owing to a wide forest range, but logging reduces ambush habitat and snakebite remains a serious rural health issue where antivenom access is limited.

## Frequently asked questions

### Which snake has the longest fangs?

Gaboon vipers hold the record among venomous snakes, with fangs often exceeding 3 cm.

### Is gaboon viper venom usually fatal?

Untreated bites can be life-threatening due to venom yield and tissue effects; hospital care and antivenom are essential.

### Do gaboon vipers chase people?

No — they rely on camouflage and strike only when trodden on or threatened at close range.

### How heavy can a gaboon viper get?

Large adults may approach 8–10 kg, making them among the heaviest vipers.

### Where do gaboon vipers live?

Forest floors of Central and West Africa. Native range summary: Rainforests and woodland of Central and West Africa.

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Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/gaboon-viper/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.