Latest news with #Gaboonviper
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Black mamba vs Gaboon viper: Which is Africa's deadliest snake on the basis of venom, size, habitat and more
Africa harbours some of the world's most lethal snakes, and two of its most formidable are the black mamba and the Gaboon viper. Though both inhabit parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, they differ greatly in appearance, behaviour, and how they kill. The black mamba is feared for its speed, aggression, and extremely fast-acting neurotoxic venom, while the Gaboon viper relies on camouflage and delivers massive doses of potent cytotoxins with the longest fangs in the snake world. This article compares the two in detail—analysing their hunting methods, venom effects, and threat to humans—to reveal which of these African giants is deadlier. Black mamba and Gaboon viper: Key differences explained Category Gaboon Viper Black Mamba Physical Size Thick-bodied; up to 7 feet long and 45 pounds; body width can reach 6 inches Long and slender; can grow up to 14 feet but only 4.5 pounds; built for speed and agility Venom Type Cytotoxic – destroys tissue, causes local damage; injects up to 600mg per bite Neurotoxic – attacks nervous system; injects up to 120mg per bite, enough to kill 10–20 people Venom Potency Highest venom yield per bite of any snake (up to 2,400mg in glands) Extremely potent venom; can kill in under an hour if untreated; 100% envenomation rate Fangs Longest venomous snake fangs: up to 2.2 inches; penetrates deeply and holds prey Shorter fangs: 0.5–0.8 inches; delivers venom through rapid multiple bites Camouflage and Build Broad head with leaf-like shape and horns on snout; blends with forest floor; slow, non-aggressive Slender, olive/gray/brown body; black interior mouth; fast and aggressive when provoked Habitat Prefers rainforests and dense woodlands; low visibility increases risk of accidental bites Found in savannahs, rocky hills, and open woodlands; wider range increases human encounters Lifespan (Wild/Captive) Lives around 10 years in the wild; up to 20 years in captivity Lives around 11 years in the wild; can exceed 20 years in captivity Black mamba vs Gaboon viper Physical size The Gaboon viper is a stout-bodied snake, with a reputation for being heavily built and very short compared to the black mamba. The longest it will get is 7 feet long, and at maximum weight, it reaches 45 pounds, with its body so wide that it will be about 6 inches in diameter. Conversely, the black mamba is designed for speed and agility. While it is much lighter—usually weighing no more than 4.5 pounds—it has the potential to reach a whopping 14 feet in length, one of the longest venomous snakes globally. Its slender, aerodynamic body enhances its high-speed attacks and quick movement. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 유일한 공식 무료 SOC 게임! 설치도 없습니다! 경복의 바다 게임 플레이 Undo Venom Both are fatal, but their venoms act differently. The Gaboon viper's venom is cytotoxic, or tissue-destroying, causing extreme local damage. Surprisingly, it injects more venom per bite than any other species—up to 600 milligrams per strike and storing up to 2,400 milligrams in its venom glands. The black mamba, however, yields neurotoxic venom, which targets the nervous system. It delivers as much as 120 milligrams with each bite, but its venom is so toxic that it can kill 10–20 individuals with one dose. Death can result in less than an hour without immediate treatment. Worse still, black mambas tend to bite repeatedly and achieve a 100% rate of envenoming, meaning almost any bite carries venom. Fangs Gaboon viper has the longest fangs among venomous snakes, with up to 2.2 inches in length. Long fangs enable deep penetration and maximum venom injection while biting and holding prey. Black mamba's fangs, while much shorter at around 0.5 to 0.8 inches, are still functional. Coupled with their quick, multiple-strike nature, they ensure efficient delivery of venom. Morphology and camouflage The Gaboon viper is a camouflage expert. Its dead-leaf-like coloration helps it hide in the dark forest floor without anyone noticing. The flat, leaf-like head and diminutive horns between the nostrils also contribute to the camouflage. It is basically a non-aggressive animal and only bites by mistake—mostly when human beings tread on it unconsciously. The black mamba, contrary to its name, is seldom black. It is often olive, gray, or brown, with a particular inky-black lining of its mouth, which it presents as a threat. Although not a cobra, it can also spread its neck slightly into a hood-like form. Unlike the viper, it is also speed-offering, attacking when threatened, and likely to pursue or trap an apparent threat. Habitat and distribution They are both indigenous to Sub-Saharan Africa, but they occupy different habitats. Gaboon viper usually inhabits rainforests and dense woods, whereas black mamba inhabits savannahs, rocky hills, and open woods, allowing it a wider spread geographical habitat and more encounters with humans. Lifespan In the wild, Gaboon vipers live for about 10 years, but can live as long as 20 years in captivity under favorable care. Black mambas live a bit longer in the wild, with an average of 11 years, and can reach 20 years or more in captivity. Black mamba vs Gaboon Viper: Which snake is more deadly to humans Both snakes are deadly to a human, but the black mamba is unequivocally more dangerous to humans. Although the Gaboon viper yields more venom, it is less aggressive, more shy, and less likely to bite until provoked. The black mamba, on the other hand, is extremely territorial, swift, and able to inflict several lethal bites with neurotoxic venom that takes effect in a hurry. It kills within 30 minutes to one hour, and bites that remain untreated carry a 90–100% chance of death. Because of its potency, aggression, and willingness to attack, the black mamba is considered the most venomous snake in Africa—and perhaps the planet. Also Read | New armored lizard fossil 'Bolg' discovered in Utah named after Tolkien's Goblin Prince
India.com
27-05-2025
- General
- India.com
This snake has world's largest fang, it looks like a..., the name is..., not King Cobra or Black Mamba
This snake has world's largest fang, it looks like a..., the name is…, not King Cobra or Black Mamba Gaboon Viper: Snakes are indeed one of the most mysterious creatures in the world. They are one of the most brutal killers of nature, and they show no mercy to their prey. Interestingly, snakes are considered evil in some religions, while others worship the serpent-like gods. The rainforest located in the savannas of sub-Saharan Africa is home to the continent's most lethal predators, which are well protected in the forest. Among these predators, a slithering creature, underestimated by its size and potent venom, is known for its speed and attack. In fact, one walking near one might never even know this dangerous snake is there, until it's too late. We are talking about the dangerous Gaboon viper. This serpent doesn't hiss like a King Cobra or rattle like a Rattlesnake or even chase; rather, it waits motionless, using its camouflaging strategy with surprising perfection. The Gaboon Viper The Gaboon viper is the heaviest venomous snake in Africa, stretching up to six feet and weighing as much as 25 pounds. With a broad, leaf-shaped head and patterns that look like dead leaves and bark, this serpent almost disappears into its surroundings. The Gaboon Viper is the heaviest venomous snake in the entire Africa. With a stretch of up to six feet, it weighs as much as 25 pound (approx 11.3 kgs). Invisible In Plain Sight Gaboon vipers are masters of disguise, their intricate coloration blending seamlessly with the forest floor. This exceptional camouflage makes them incredibly difficult to spot, even for experienced reptile experts. They remain motionless for extended periods, patiently ambushing unsuspecting prey. While generally slow-moving, their strike is remarkably fast, a characteristic likely developed to minimize energy expenditure while maximizing hunting success. The Venom Notably, the Gaboon Viper's venom is not the most toxic in the world but what matters is the quantity. As per Forbes, Gaboon Viper is inject between 200 to 1000 milligrams of venom per bite. This quantity of venom surpasses the quantity of the inland taipan and Russell's viper in venom yield. Its exceptionally large venom glands allow it to produce a significant amount of venom. The Largest Fangs Gaboon vipers is loaded with the world's longest snake fangs, reaching up to two inches in length. These exceptionally long fangs fold back when the mouth is closed, enabling deep venom injection and rapid incapacitation of prey. While possessing a potent venom delivery system, the Gaboon viper is generally docile and rarely bites humans unless threatened. However, habitat loss due to deforestation and development in sub-Saharan Africa has led to the species being classified as vulnerable by the IUCN.
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Yahoo
5 Bay Area residents charged in illegal wildlife trafficking sting
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — An undercover investigation into illegal wildlife trafficking in Northern California led to five people from the Bay Area being charged, the California Department of Wildlife announced Wednesday. Dozens of live venomous snakes were seized during the operation. CDFW wildlife officers uncovered a network of wildlife trafficking that was involved in the illegal sales of venomous snakes, officials said. Recently, a 'significant' sting operation led to the seizure of 75 animals. Of the animals seized, 66 were live venomous snakes, including Gaboon viper, Egyptian cobra and several species of rattlesnakes, CDFW said. California wildlife officials worked with the Wildlife Confiscation Network to transfer many of the seized animals to the Fresno, Denver and Toledo zoos, as well as other reputable facilities. 'They will now serve as ambassadors in raising awareness about the impacts of wildlife trafficking,' CDFW said. The five individuals who face charges for a range of violations in connection to the wildlife trafficking investigation are all from the Bay Area, officials confirmed to KRON4. 'Snakes play a crucial role as both predator and prey,' CDFW said, but noted that non-native venomous reptiles threaten California's ecosystems and public safety. 'It's essential to stay vigilant.' 3 orphaned mountain lion cubs rescued in Bay Area Illegal wildlife activity can be reported anonymously to CDFW through the CalTIP hotline at 888-334-2258 or via the Tip411 app. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
