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