The Gaboon viper (Bitis gabonica), also known as the West African Gaboon viper, butterfly adder, and the forest adder, is a highly venomous snake found in sub-Saharan Africa. Its status is listed as “vulnerable” by the IUCN, with numbers decreasing, but is still a target on game hunting safaris throughout the African continent.

The Gaboon viper is widely distributed across Central, East, and West Africa, with habitats including rainforests, tropical savannas, tropical moist forests, grasslands, flooded grasslands, and mangroves.

It is generally a slow-moving, solitary, and placid snake that is unlikely to strike unless annoyed. However, once provoked, it will bite, using the longest fangs of any venomous snake worldwide. They can measure up to 2 inches in length! Unfortunately for their prey, they are also one of the fastest-striking snakes worldwide.

They feast on birds, rats, mice, rabbits, and hares.

Breeding season is from September to December, with the female giving birth to live snakelets late in the summer. At 11 inches in size, these snakelets are fully developed and independent.

AT A GLANCE

Name:
Bitis gabonica

Male Weight:
15.4-22 pounds

Length:
31.5-51 inches

Range:
Sub-Saharan Africa

Life span:
18 years

Size and Appearance

The Gaboon viper is a striking snake, with large fangs. It has a large, triangular, white, or cream head with large eyes. Below and behind each eye, there is a dark blue-black triangle. Its belly is pale, with brown or black blotches. A pattern with pale marks or spots running down the center of its back and are separated by dark markings.

Hunting Methods

This highly dangerous snake usually forms part of an opportunistic hunting adventure, with the hunting party coming across it while searching for other game hunting opportunities. Both day and night hunts are undertaken for the Gaboon viper, as it is more active at night. Once spotted, the walk-and-stalk method is utilized.

Challenges and Rewards

This nocturnal reptile can be quite a challenging target to spot on a game hunting safari as it is well camouflaged on the ground, with many people only realizing it is there once they step on it! The Gaboon viper has a nasty bite on it, causing severe pain, and swelling, and requires immediate medical attention as it can be fatal. This alone makes many hunters wary to attempt viper hunting in Africa! The reward on this hunt would most definitely be the beautiful and unique snakeskin on offer, a very unusual reminder of your African hunting adventure!

Rifles and Requirements

When Gaboon viper hunting in Africa, a 12-gauge shotgun would be the weapon of choice for this hunting safari. Utilize a shell with fine pellets, or you may run the risk of damage to your game hunting trophy.