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Gaboon Viper Picture and Species Profile

There are two subspecies of Gaboon vipers ; the East African Gaboon Viper and the West African Gaboon Viper. The East African Gaboon Viper occurs along the east coast of Africa from  the upper east coast of South Africa and up into Mozambique. West African Gaboon Vipers live in the tropical rainforests of West Africa. Gaboon Vipers have the largest fangs of any snake .  Gaboon Vipers are the largest vipers in Africa and are the second largest viper in the world after the Bush Master of South America.  Due to their large girth adult Gaboon Vipers have been reported to be seen eating Duikers, a small species of buck about the same size as a small dog . Due to their spectacular colouration and size, as well as being one of the most docile venomous snakes,  Gaboon Vipers have become popular with reptile keepers. Gaboon Vipers are high on the list of my favorite snakes, but a cytotoxic bite from a snake with huge venom glands and record-breaking fang length is not something I would enjoy. Gaboon Vipers are best suited to the professional snake keeper.