Western Gaboon Viper

Bitis rhinoceros

Body Length:4'–6'
Geographic Distribution:West Central Africa
Habitat:Tropical rainforest
Wild Diet:Small mammals, rodents
Zoo Diet:Prey items, mostly rats
Status in the Wild:Least Concern
Location:Feathers and Scales

This venomous snake is the largest viper in Africa, as large as six feet long and 45 pounds. It has light and dark brown with areas of pink and purple arranged in a diamond and stripe pattern. Their short tail and broad head aids in its camouflage amongst leaf litter. It has a pair of enlarged nasal scales that resemble horns. Its mouth is even more impressive; Gaboon viper fangs are the longest among snakes, nearly 2 inches in length.
 

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