Bitis arietans arietans

(Merrem, 1820)

Vernacular names
English : Puff adder
French : Vipère heurtante

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Family : Viperidae
Notes : 1 other subspecies known.

Identification
Very large viper with stout body, broad and flat triangular head, reaching up to 1.8 m in length. Unmistakable. Coloration ranges from orange-beige to brown with dark and clear chevron-like markings on back. Whole body mottled.

Range and habitat
This species has a huge range comprising most of subsaharan Africa except tropical forests in the west. Isolated populations in Morocco and Arabian peninsula. Lives in savannas, grasslands, woodlands, dry forests, arid areas, up to 3500 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species has a huge range and remains at least locally common but it is vulnerable to persecution and habitat modification (burning).
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

Back to “Vipers, Pitvipers and relatives” page