The Puff Adder, bitis ariens, is considered Africa’s most dangerous snake. Its widespread habitat, large fangs, potent venom, mean disposition and willingness to bite are the reasons why this snake is responsible for more fatalities than any other snake in Africa. It can be mainly found throughout southern Africa, except in true deserts and dense forests. They thrive in rocky grasslands.
Adders are nocturnal and eat rodents, birds, amphibians, lizards and small mammals. Their enemies include man, badgers, warthogs, other snakes and some birds of prey.
Morphology
The average length for the puff adder is approximately one meter. They can weigh up to six kilograms and can have quite a wide girth. Males tend to be larger than the females and have longer tails. Color patterns on this snake vary by the geography it inhabits. All species have dark bands around the eyes.
Behavior
This snake is a rather sluggish snake that doesn’t move fast. As a result, it relies on camouflage to hide itself. Its ability to hide in its surroundings explains why it’s reluctant to move and why so many individuals get bitten. When it does move, it moves in a fashion similar to the way caterpillars move. Although slow, they are very quick when it comes to attacking for food or prey. If disturbed the snake will hiss loudly and form a tight coil, holding its head in an ‘S’ shaped position. This enables the snake to strike sideways or forward with lightening speed. The fangs tend to be long and have the ability to penetrate soft leather. Puff adders additionally are good swimmers and climbers.
Reproduction
This species is viviparous or gives birth to live young with relatively large litters. Fifty to sixty newborns are the average number for a litter. The baby snakes can range from twelve and a half to seventeen and a half centimeters in length.
Venom
As mentioned, puff adders have toxic venom. In humans serious local and systemic symptoms can be seen. Severe pain, tenderness and hemorrhages can occur. These can lead to shock, nausea, hypotension, weakness, dizziness and periods of unconsciousness. Skin and tissue necrosis can occur in the most serious situations. Most fatalities are associated with poor clinical management or neglect to be treated.
The puff adder is a bad tempered snake. Long fangs, potent venom and excellent camouflaging ability make it extremely dangerous. Their reluctance to flee and habits of sunning by footpaths, lying quietly when approached are the reasons why this snake is responsible for the most snake bite fatalities in Africa.
References
Broadley, DG. Snakes of Southern Africa.J Ball & AD Donker Publishers,1990
