Gaboon viper

Gaboon viper
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Viperidae
Genus: Bitis
Species:
B. gabonica
Binomial name
Bitis gabonica
Distribution range
Synonyms[2]
  • Echidna Gabonica A.M.C. Duméril, Bibron & A.H.A. Duméril, 1854
  • Bitis gabonica — Boulenger, 1896
  • Cobra gabonica — Mertens, 1937
  • Bitis gabonica gabonica
    — Mertens, 1951
  • Bi[tis]. javonica Suzuki & Iwanga, 1970
  • Bitis gabonica — Golay et al., 1993

The Gaboon viper (Bitis gabonica), also called the Gaboon adder, is a large and highly venomous viper species found in the rainforests and savannas of sub-Saharan Africa.[1][3][2] Like all other vipers, it is venomous. It is the largest member of the genus Bitis,[4][5] and has the longest fangs of any venomous snake – up to 2 inches (5.1 cm) in length – and the highest venom yield of any snake.[5][6] No subspecies are recognized.[3][7]

  1. ^ a b Luiselli, L.; Beraduccii, J.; Howell, K.; Msuya, C.A.; Ngalason, W.; Chirio, L.; Kusamba, C.; Gonwouo, N.L.; LeBreton, M.; Zassi-Boulou, A.-G.; Chippaux, J.-P. (2021). "Bitis gabonica". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2021: e.T13300893A13300904. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-3.RLTS.T13300893A13300904.en. Retrieved 3 February 2022.
  2. ^ a b McDiarmid RW, Campbell JA, Touré T. 1999. Snake Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference, Volume 1. Herpetologists' League. 511 pp. ISBN 1-893777-00-6 (series). ISBN 1-893777-01-4 (volume).
  3. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference RDB was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ Spawls S, Branch B. 1995. The Dangerous Snakes of Africa. Ralph Curtis Books. Dubai: Oriental Press. 192 pp. ISBN 0-88359-029-8
  5. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference Mal03 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ Mark Carwardine (2008). Animal Records. Sterling. p. 169. ISBN 9781402756238.
  7. ^ "Bitis gabonica". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 3 February 2022.