Editing Gaboon viper

{{Short description|Species of snake}}
{{Good article}}
{{Speciesbox
| name = 
| image = Bitis gabonica.jpg
| image_caption = 
| status = VU
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| status_ref = <ref name=IUCN>{{cite iucn |author=Luiselli, L. |author2=Beraduccii, J. |author3=Howell, K. |author4=Msuya, C.A. |author5=Ngalason, W. |author6=Chirio, L. |author7=Kusamba, C. |author8=Gonwouo, N.L. |author9=LeBreton, M. |author10=Zassi-Boulou, A.-G. |author11=Chippaux, J.-P. |year=2021 |title=''Bitis gabonica'' |volume=2021 |page=e.T13300893A13300904 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-3.RLTS.T13300893A13300904.en |access-date=3 February 2022}}</ref>
| genus = Bitis
| species = gabonica
| authority = ([[A.M.C. Duméril]], [[Bibron]] & [[A.H.A. Duméril]], 1854)
| range_map = Bitis gabonica distribution.png
| range_map_caption = Distribution range
| synonyms = *''Echidna Gabonica'' <small>A.M.C. Duméril, Bibron & A.H.A. Duméril, 1854</small>
* ''Bitis gabonica'' <small>&mdash; [[George Albert Boulenger|Boulenger]], 1896</small>
* ''Cobra gabonica'' <small>&mdash; [[Robert Mertens|Mertens]], 1937</small>
* ''Bitis gabonica gabonica'' <br><small>&mdash; Mertens, 1951</small>
* ''Bi''[''tis'']. ''javonica'' <small>Suzuki & Iwanga, 1970</small>
* ''Bitis gabonica'' <small>&mdash; Golay et al., 1993</small>
| synonyms_ref = <ref name="McD99"/>
}}

The '''Gaboon viper''' ('''''Bitis gabonica'''''), also called the '''Gaboon adder''', is a large and highly [[Venomous snake|venomous]] [[Viperinae|viper]] [[species]] found in the [[rainforest]]s and [[savanna]]s of [[sub-Saharan Africa]].<ref name=IUCN/><ref name=RDB/><ref name="McD99">McDiarmid RW, [[Jonathan A. Campbell|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).</ref> It is the largest member of the genus ''[[Bitis]].'' Like all other vipers, it is  [[venomous snake|venomous]], <ref name="SB95">Spawls S, [[William Roy Branch|Branch B]]. 1995. ''The Dangerous Snakes of Africa''. Ralph Curtis Books. Dubai: Oriental Press. 192 pp. {{ISBN|0-88359-029-8}}</ref><ref name="Mal03"/> and it has the longest fangs of any venomous snake &ndash; up to {{convert|2|in|cm}} in length &ndash; and the highest venom yield of any snake.<ref name="Mal03"/><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=T3FEKopUFkUC&dq=gaboon+viper+venom&pg=PA169|title=Animal Records|author=Mark Carwardine|pages=169|publisher=Sterling|year=2008|isbn=9781402756238}}</ref> No [[subspecies]] are recognized.<ref name=RDB/><ref name="ITIS">{{ITIS |id=634953 |taxon=''Bitis gabonica'' |access-date=3 February 2022}}</ref>

==Taxonomy==
The Gaboon viper was described in 1854 as ''Echidna gabonica''.<ref>[[Duméril A-M-C]], [[Bibron G]], [[Auguste Duméril|Duméril A]]. 1854. ''Erpétologie générale ou histoire naturelle complète des reptiles. Tome septième. &mdash; Deuxième partie. Comprenant l'histoire des serpents venimeux.'' Paris: Roret. xii + pp.&nbsp;781–1536. (''[https://biodiversitylibrary.org/page/32501791 Echidna gabonica]'', pp.&nbsp;1428–1430.)</ref>

Lenk ''et al.'' (1999) discovered genetic differences between the two conventionally recognized subspecies of ''B. g. gabonica'' and ''B. g. rhinoceros''. According to their research, these two subspecies are as genetically different from each other as they are from ''[[Bitis nasicornis|B. nasicornis]]''. Consequently, they regard the western form as a separate species, ''[[Bitis rhinoceros|B. rhinoceros]]''.<ref name="WWH">[http://sbsweb.bangor.ac.uk/~bss166/Updates/Viperinae1999.htm Venomous Snake Systematics Alert – 1999 Publications] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060904072800/http://sbsweb.bangor.ac.uk/~bss166/Updates/Viperinae1999.htm |date=2006-09-04 }} at [http://biology.bangor.ac.uk/~bss166/ Homepage of Dr. Wolfgang Wüster]  {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060925070717/http://biology.bangor.ac.uk/~bss166/ |date=September 25, 2006 }} of the University of Wales, Bangor. Accessed 3 September 2006.</ref>

The snake's common names include Gaboon viper, butterfly adder, forest puff adder, whisper,<ref name="Mal03">Mallow D, Ludwig D, Nilson G. 2003. ''True Vipers: Natural History and Toxinology of Old World Vipers''. Malabar, Florida: Krieger Publishing Company. 359 pp. {{ISBN|0-89464-877-2}}.</ref> swampjack,<ref name="Mal03"/> and Gaboon adder.<ref name="SB95"/><ref name="Got">Gotch AF. 1986. ''Reptiles – Their Latin Names Explained''. Poole, UK: Blandford Press. 176 pp. {{ISBN|0-7137-1704-1}}.</ref>

Originally a name given by the [[Portugal|Portuguese]], ''Gabon'' (''Gabão'') refers to the estuary on which the town of [[Libreville]] was built, in [[Gabon]], and to a narrow strip of territory on either bank of this arm of the sea. As of 1909, ''Gaboon'' referred to the northern portion of [[French Congo]], south of the equator and lying between the [[Atlantic Ocean]] and 12°E longitude.<ref>[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06328c.htm Gaboon] at [http://www.newadvent.org/ New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia]. Accessed 8 July 2007.</ref>

==Description==

Adults are typically {{convert|125|–|155|cm|ft|abbr=on}} in total length (body and tail). The maximum total length of this species is often cited as {{convert|205|cm|in|abbr=on}} for a specimen collected in [[Sierra Leone]], but individuals from this locale are now reclassified as ''[[Bitis rhinoceros]]''. The sexes may be distinguished by the length of the tail in relation to the total length of the body: around 12% for males and 6% for females. Adults, especially females, are very heavy and stout. One female measured at {{convert|174|cm|in|abbr=on}} in total length, a head width of {{convert|12|cm|in|abbr=on}}, a width or circumference of {{convert|37|cm|in|abbr=on}}, and a weight of {{convert|8.5|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Mal03"/>

[[File:Bitis gabonica complete skeleton.jpg|right|thumb|Complete skeleton and skull of ''B. gabonica'']]

In their description of ''B. gabonica'', Spawls ''et al.'' (2004) give a total length of {{convert|80|–|130|cm|in|abbr=on|round=0.5}}, with a maximum total length of {{convert|175|cm|in|abbr=on}}, saying the species may possibly grow larger still. They acknowledge reports of specimens over {{convert|1.8|m|ft|abbr=on}}, or even over {{convert|2|m|ft|abbr=on}} in total length, but claim no evidence supports this.<ref name="Spa04">Spawls S, Howell K, Drewes R, Ashe J. 2004. ''A Field Guide To The Reptiles Of East Africa''. London: A & C Black Publishers Ltd. 543 pp. {{ISBN|0-7136-6817-2}}.</ref> A large specimen of {{convert|1.8|m|ft|abbr=on}} total length, caught in 1973, was found to have weighed {{convert|11.3|kg|lb|abbr=on}} with an empty stomach.<ref name = "Wood">{{cite book | author = Wood, Gerald | url = https://archive.org/details/guinnessbookofan00wood | title = The Guinness Book of Animal Facts and Feats | year = 1983 | publisher = Guinness Superlatives | isbn = 978-0-85112-235-9 | url-access = registration }}</ref> It is the heaviest venomous snake in Africa and one of the heaviest in the world along with the [[king cobra]] and [[eastern diamondback rattlesnake]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fresnochaffeezoo.org/species/gaboon-viper/|title=Gaboon Viper|website=Fresno Chaffee Zoo}}</ref>

The head is large and triangular, while the neck is greatly narrowed, only about one-third the width of the head.<ref name="Mal03"/> A pair of "horns" is present between the raised nostrils—tiny in ''B. gabonica''.<ref name="Spa04"/> The eyes are large and moveable,<ref name="Mal03"/> set well forward,<ref name="Spa04"/> and surrounded by 15–21 [[circumorbital scales]].<ref name="Mal03"/> The species has 12–16 [[interocular scales]] across the top of the head. Four or five scale rows separate the [[suboculars]] and the [[supralabials]], with 13–18 supralabials and 16–22 [[sublabials]].<ref name="Mal03"/> The fangs may reach a length of {{convert|55|mm|in|abbr=on}},<ref name="SB95"/> the longest of any venomous snake.<ref name="Mal03"/>

Midbody, the 28–46 [[dorsal scale]] rows are strongly keeled except for the outer rows on each side. The lateral scales are slightly oblique. The [[ventral scales]] number 124–140, rarely more than 132 in males, rarely less than 132 in females. With 17–33 paired [[subcaudal scales]], males have no fewer than 25, and females no more than 23. The [[anal scale]] is single.<ref name="Mal03"/>

The color pattern is striking in the open, but in nature, typically among dead leaves under trees, it provides a high degree of camouflage; in a well-kept cage with a suitable base of dried leaves, overlooking several fully exposed specimens completely is easy.{{citation needed|date=October 2021}} The pattern consists of a series of pale, subrectangular blotches running down the center of the back, interspaced with dark, yellow-edged, hourglass markings. The flanks have a series of fawn or brown rhomboidal shapes, with light vertical central bars. The belly is pale with irregular brown or black blotches. The head is white or cream with a fine, dark central line, black spots on the rear corners, and a dark blue-black triangle behind and below each eye.<ref name="Spa04"/> The iris colour is cream, yellow-white, orange,<ref name="Spa04"/> or silvery.<ref name="Meh87">Mehrtens JM. 1987. ''Living Snakes of the World in Color''. New York: Sterling Publishers. 480 pp. {{ISBN|0-8069-6460-X}}.</ref> A possible Batesian mimic of the Gaboon viper has been found, which is the [[Sclerophrys|Congolese giant toad (''Sclerophrys channingi'')]]; this species of frog seems to resemble the viper's head, which contrasts with its darker-colored body.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Vaughan |first1=Eugene R. |last2=Teshera |first2=Mark S. |last3=Kusamba |first3=Chifundera |last4=Edmonston |first4=Theresa R. |last5=Greenbaum |first5=Eli |date=2019-08-11 |title=A remarkable example of suspected Batesian mimicry of Gaboon Vipers (Reptilia: Viperidae: Bitis gabonica) by Congolese Giant Toads (Amphibia: Bufonidae: Sclerophrys channingi) |url=https://doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2019.1669730 |journal=Journal of Natural History |volume=53 |issue=29–30 |pages=1853–1871 |doi=10.1080/00222933.2019.1669730 |bibcode=2019JNatH..53.1853V |issn=0022-2933|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

==Distribution and habitat==
This species can be found in [[Guinea]], [[Ghana]], [[Togo]], [[Nigeria]], [[Cameroon]], [[Equatorial Guinea]], [[Gabon]], the [[Republic of the Congo]], the [[Democratic Republic of the Congo]], northern Angola, the [[Central African Republic]], [[South Sudan]], [[Uganda]], [[Kenya]], eastern [[Tanzania]], [[Zambia]], [[Malawi]], eastern [[Zimbabwe]], [[Mozambique]], and northeast [[KwaZulu-Natal Province]] in [[South Africa]]. Mallow ''et al.'' (2003) also list [[Sierra Leone]], [[Senegal]], and [[Liberia]] in [[West Africa]].<ref name="Mal03"/> The [[Type locality (biology)|type locality]] is given as "[[Gabon]]" (Africa).<ref name="McD99"/>

The Gaboon viper is usually found in rainforests and nearby woodlands, mainly at low altitudes,<ref name="Meh87"/> but sometimes as high as 1500&nbsp;m above sea level.<ref name="Mal03"/> Spawls ''et al.'' (2004) mention a maximum altitude of 2100 m.<ref name="Spa04"/> According to Broadley and Cock (1975), it is generally found in environments that are parallel to those occupied by its close relative, ''[[Bitis arietans|B. arietans]]'', which is normally found in more open country.<ref name="B&C75">[[Donald George Broadley|Broadley DG]], Cock EV (1975). ''Snakes of Rhodesia''. Longman Africa, Salisbury. {{OCLC|249318277}}</ref>

In Tanzania, this species is found in secondary thickets, [[cashew]] plantations, and agricultural land under bushes and in thickets. In Uganda, they are found in forests and nearby grasslands. They also do well in reclaimed forest areas - [[cacao plantation]]s in [[West Africa]] and coffee plantations in [[East Africa]]. They have been found in evergreen forests in Zambia. In Zimbabwe, they only occur in areas of high rainfall along the forested escarpment in the east of the country. In general, they may also be found in swamps, as well as in still and moving waters. They are commonly found in agricultural areas near forests and on roads at night.<ref name="Mal03"/>

==Behavior==
[[File:Gabunviper Bitis gabonica.jpg|thumb|A Gaboon viper can blend in with its surroundings.]]
Primarily nocturnal, Gaboon vipers have a reputation for being slow-moving and placid. They usually hunt by ambush, often spending long periods motionless, waiting for suitable prey to pass by, though they have been known to hunt actively, mostly during the first six hours of the night. In Kumasi, Ghana, they were regularly killed by ranch hands around some stables in an open field with the forest some 500 meters away—a sign that they were hunting rats in the grassland. They are usually very tolerant snakes, even when handled, and rarely bite or hiss, unlike most vipers. However, bites by bad-tempered individuals do occur.<ref name="Spa04"/>

Locomotion is mostly [[Rectilinear locomotion|rectilinear]], in a sluggish "walking" motion of the ventral scales. They may writhe from side to side when alarmed, but only for short distances.<ref name="Mal03"/> [[Raymond Ditmars|Ditmars]] (1933) even described them as being capable of [[sidewinding]].<ref name="Dit33">[[Raymond Ditmars|Ditmars RL]]. 1933. ''Reptiles of the World''. Revised Edition. New York: The MacMillan Company. 329 pp. + 89 plates.</ref>

If threatened, Gaboon vipers may hiss loudly as a warning, doing so in a deep and steady rhythm, slightly flattening the head at the expiration of each breath.<ref name="Mal03"/><ref name="Spa04"/><ref name="Dit33"/> Despite this, they are unlikely to strike unless severely provoked;<ref name="Mal03"/> however, they are one of the fastest-striking snakes in the world, so care should be taken in handling them. It is best to avoid handling them in most circumstances.

Numerous descriptions have been given of their generally unaggressive nature. Sweeney (1961) wrote they are so docile that they "can be handled as freely as any nonvenomous species," although this is absolutely not recommended. In Lane (1963), Ionides explained he would capture specimens by first touching them lightly on the top of the head with a pair of tongs to test their reactions. Hissing and anger were rarely displayed, so the tongs were usually set aside and the snakes firmly grasped by the neck with one hand and the body supported with the other as he picked them up and carried them to a box for containment. He said the snakes hardly ever struggled.<ref name="Mal03"/>

Parry (1975) described how this species has a wider range of eye movement than other snakes. Along a horizontal plane, eye movement can be maintained even if the head is rotated up or down to an angle of up to 45°. If the head is rotated 360°, one eye will tilt up and the other down, depending on the direction of rotation. Also, if one eye looks forward, the other looks back, as if both are connected to a fixed position on an axis between them. In general, the eyes often flick back and forth in a rapid and jerky manner. When asleep, no eye movement occurs and the pupils are strongly contracted. The pupils dilate suddenly and eye movement resumes when the animal awakens.<ref name="Mal03"/>

==Feeding==
Because of their large, heavy body size, the adults have no trouble eating prey as large as fully grown rabbits. When prey happens by, they strike from any angle. They can quickly reposition their fangs if they happen to miss or strike an unsuitable area of their prey.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Cundall |first1=David |title=Viper Fangs: Functional Limitations of Extreme Teeth |journal=Physiological and Biochemical Zoology |date=January 2009 |volume=82 |issue=1 |pages=63–79 |doi=10.1086/594380|pmid=19025501 |s2cid=205989168 }}</ref> Once they strike their prey, they hang on to it with their large fangs rather than letting it go and waiting for it to die. This behaviour is very different from that of other species of vipers. These snakes feed on a variety of amphibians, mammals, and birds such as [[doves]], [[guineafowl]], and [[francolin]]s.<ref name="auto"/> They also hunt many different species of [[rodent]], including field mice and rats, as well as [[lagomorpha|hares and rabbits]].<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Bitis_gabonica/|title=Bitis gabonica (Gaboon Adder)|first=Jacqueline|last=Howard|website=Animal Diversity Web}}</ref>  More unlikely prey items, such as tree monkeys, the [[Gambian pouched rat]], the [[Atherurus africanus|brush-tailed porcupine]], and even the small [[royal antelope]] have been reported.<ref name="Mal03"/><ref name="auto"/>

==Reproduction==
During peak sexual activity, males engage in combat. This starts with one male rubbing his chin along the back of the other. The second male then raises his head as high as possible. As they both do the same, their necks intertwine. When the heads are level, they turn towards each other and push. Their bodies intertwine as they switch positions. They become oblivious to everything else, continuing even after they fall off a surface or into water. Sometimes, they intertwine and squeeze so tightly that their scales stand out from the pressure. They have also been observed to strike at each other with mouths closed. Occasionally, the combatants tire and break off the fight by "mutual consent", resting for a while before resuming once more. The event is settled when one of the two succeeds in pushing the other's head to the ground and raising his own by 20–30&nbsp;cm. In captivity, combat may occur four or five times a week until courtship and copulation end.<ref name="Mal03"/> Females can have 50 to 60 babies at a time. The young are born live.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-04-25 |title=Gaboon viper |url=https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/gaboon-viper |access-date=2022-08-01 |website=Smithsonian's National Zoo |language=en}}</ref>

==Venom==
Bites from this species are extremely rare because these snakes are seldom aggressive and their range is mostly confined to rainforest areas.<ref name="SB95" /> Since they are sluggish and unwilling to move even when approached, the humans they bite are usually those accidentally stepping on them. However, not all of the cases of persons stepping on this species of snake results in the person getting bitten.<ref name="Mar04">Marais J. 2004. ''A Complete Guide to the Snakes of Southern Africa''. Cape Town: Struik. 214 pp. {{ISBN|978-1-86872-932-6}}.</ref> When a bite does occur, it should always be considered a serious [[medical emergency]]. Even an average bite from an average-sized specimen is potentially fatal.<ref name="SB95" /> [[Antivenom]] should be administered as soon as possible to save the affected limb or indeed the victim's life.<ref name="B&C75" />

The snake's venom is [[cytotoxic]] and [[cardiotoxic]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Busso |first1=C. |last2=Camino |first2=E. |last3=Cedrini |first3=L. |last4=Lovisolo |first4=D. |title=The effects of Gaboon viper (Bitis gabonica) venom on voltage-clamped single heart cells |journal=Toxicon |date=January 1988 |volume=26 |issue=6 |pages=559–570 |doi=10.1016/0041-0101(88)90236-x|pmid=2459807 |bibcode=1988Txcn...26..559B }}</ref> In mice, the {{LD50}} is 0.8–5.0&nbsp;mg/kg [[intravenously]], 2.0&nbsp;mg/kg [[intraperitoneally]], and 5.0–6.0&nbsp;mg/kg [[subcutaneously]].<ref name="Bro73">Brown JH. 1973. ''Toxicology and Pharmacology of Venoms from Poisonous Snakes''. Springfield, Illinois: Charles C. Thomas. 184 pp. LCCCN 73–229. {{ISBN|0-398-02808-7}}.</ref> Since their venom glands are enormous, each bite produces the second-largest quantity of venom of any [[venomous snake]]; this is partially because, unlike many African vipers, such as the [[puff adder]], the Gaboon viper does not release after a bite, which enables it to inject larger amounts of venom{{Citation needed|reason=Other snakes can hold on to their prey too, and other factors such as larger fangs could cause a higher flow rate|date=January 2023}}. Yield is probably related to body weight, as opposed to milking interval.<ref name="Mal03"/> Brown (1973) gives a venom yield range of 200–1000&nbsp;mg (of dried venom).<ref name="Bro73"/> A range of 200–600&nbsp;mg for specimens 125–155&nbsp;cm in length has also been reported.<ref name="Mal03"/> Spawls and Branch (1995) state from 5 to 7 mL (450–600&nbsp;mg) of venom may be injected in a single bite.<ref name="SB95"/>

A study by Marsh and Whaler (1984) reported a maximum yield of 9.7 mL of wet venom, which translated to 2400&nbsp;mg of dried venom. They attached [[Crocodile clip|"alligator" clip electrodes]] to the angle of the open jaw of [[anesthetized]] specimens (length 133–136&nbsp;cm, girth 23–25&nbsp;cm, weight 1.3–3.4&nbsp;kg), yielding 1.3–7.6 mL (mean 4.4 mL) of venom. Two to three electrical bursts, five seconds apart, were enough to empty the venom glands. The Gaboon vipers used for the study were milked between seven and 11 times over a 12-month period, during which they remained in good health and the potency of their venom remained the same.<ref name="Mal03"/>

From how sensitive [[monkey]]s were to the venom, Whaler (1971) estimated 14&nbsp;mg of venom would be enough to kill a human being, equivalent to 0.06 mL of venom, or 1/50 to 1/1000 of what can be obtained in a single milking. Marsh and Whaler (1984) wrote that 35&nbsp;mg (1/30 of the average venom yield) would be enough to kill a man of {{convert|70|kg|lb}}.<ref name="Mal03"/> Branch (1992) suggested that 90–100&nbsp;mg would be fatal in humans. <!-- Due to the rarity of these type of snakebites, further investigation is needed. -->

In humans, a bite from a Gaboon viper causes rapid and conspicuous [[Swelling (medical)|swelling]], intense [[pain]], severe [[Shock (circulatory)|shock]], and local [[blister]]ing. Other symptoms may include uncoordinated movements, [[defecation]], [[urination]], swelling of the tongue and eyelids, [[Seizure|convulsions]], and [[unconsciousness]].<ref name="Mal03"/> Blistering, [[bruising]], and [[necrosis]] may be extensive. Sudden [[hypotension]], heart damage, and [[dyspnoea]] may occur.<ref name="Spa04"/> The blood may become incoagulable, with internal bleeding that may lead to [[haematuria]] and [[haematemesis]].<ref name="SB95"/><ref name="Spa04"/> Local tissue damage may require surgical [[Surgery|excision]] and possibly [[amputation]] to any affected limb.<ref name="SB95"/> Healing may be slow and fatalities during the recovery period are not uncommon.<ref name="Spa04"/>

==References==
{{Reflist|refs=
<ref name=RDB>{{NRDB species |genus=Bitis |species=gabonica |access-date=3 February 2022}}</ref>
}}

==Further reading==
{{refbegin}}
*Access Professional Development. 2022. ''Gaboon Adder (Bitis gabonica)''. [Online] Available: https://accesspd.co.za/species/gaboon-adder {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220202150455/https://accesspd.co.za/species/gaboon-adder |date=2022-02-02 }} (Accessed: 02/02/2022)
*[[George Albert Boulenger|Boulenger GA]]. 1896. ''Catalogue of the Snakes in the British Museum (Natural History). Volume III., Containing the...Viperidæ.'' London: Trustees of the British Museum (Natural History). (Taylor and Francis, printers.) xiv + 727 pp. + Plates I.- XXV. (''Bitis gabonica'', pp.&nbsp;499–500.) 
* Bowler JK. 1975. Longevity of Reptiles and Amphibians in North American Collections as of 1 November 1975. Athens, Ohio: Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles. ''Herpetological Circulars'' (6): 1–32.
* [[William Roy Branch|Branch, Bill]]. 2004. ''Field Guide to Snakes and Other Reptiles of Southern Africa''. Third Revised edition, Second impression. Sanibel Island, Florida: Ralph Curtis Books. 399 pp. {{ISBN|0-88359-042-5}}. (''Bitis gabonica'', p.&nbsp;115 + Plates 3, 12.)
* Forbes CD, Turpie AGG, Ferguson JC, McNicol GP, Douglas AS. 1969. Effect of gaboon viper (''Bitis gabonica'') venom on blood coagulation, platelets, and the fibrinolytic enzyme system. ''Journal of Clinical Pathology'' '''22''': 312–316.
* Lane, M. 1963. ''Life with Ionides''. London: Hamish-Hamilton. 157 pp.
* Lenk P, Herrmann H-W, Joger U, Wink M. 1999. Phylogeny and Taxonomic Subdivision of ''Bitis'' (Reptilia: Viperidae) Based on Molecular Evidence. ''Kaupia, Darmstädter Beiträge zur Naturgeschichte'' (8): 31–38.
* Marsh NE, Whaler BC. 1984. The Gaboon viper (''Bitis gabonica'') its biology, venom components and toxinology. ''Toxicon'' '''22''' (5): 669–694.
* Morris PA. 1948. ''Boy's Book of Snakes: How to Recognize and Understand Them''. A volume of the Humanizing Science Series, edited by [[Jacques Cattell]]. New York: Ronald Press. viii + 185 pp. (Gaboon viper, ''Bitis gabonica'', pp.&nbsp;158–159, 182.)
* Sweeney RCH. 1961. ''Snakes of Nyasaland''. Zomba, Nyasaland: The Nyasaland Society and Nyasaland Government. 74 pp.
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160904122907/http://www.venomousreptiles.org/articles/93 Keeping Gaboon Vipers] at [https://web.archive.org/web/20080409033049/http://www.venomousreptiles.org/ VenomousReptiles.org]. Accessed 2 August 2007.

{{Taxonbar|from=Q371183}}

[[Category:Bitis]]
[[Category:Snakes of Africa]]
[[Category:Reptiles of Angola]]
[[Category:Fauna of Benin]]
[[Category:Reptiles of the Democratic Republic of the Congo]]
[[Category:Reptiles of Gabon]]
[[Category:Reptiles of Kenya]]
[[Category:Reptiles of Mozambique]]
[[Category:Reptiles of Nigeria]]
[[Category:Reptiles of the Republic of the Congo]]
[[Category:Reptiles of South Africa]]
[[Category:Reptiles of South Sudan]]
[[Category:Reptiles of Tanzania]]
[[Category:Reptiles of Uganda]]
[[Category:Reptiles of Zambia]]
[[Category:Reptiles of Zimbabwe]]
[[Category:Venomous snakes]]
[[Category:Reptiles described in 1854]]
[[Category:Taxa named by André Marie Constant Duméril]]
[[Category:Taxa named by Gabriel Bibron]]
[[Category:Taxa named by Auguste Duméril]]