Name: Gabata sonivia; Gaboon viper; Butterfly adder.
Clades:
Viperidae; Solenoglypha.
ZoologyGaboon vipers are nocturnal, solitary and placid. They are usually very tolerant snakes, even when handled, and rarely bite or hiss, unlike most vipers. Bites from this species are rare, due to their extremely unaggressive nature.
They generally lie perfectly still, blending in with the leaves of the forest floor, waiting for suitable prey to pass by. The body is pale, with tan markings, beige and yellow, which gives its excellent camouflage against the forest floor and fallen leaves.
Gaboon vipers await their prey from a hiding spot and quickly attack with 5 cm fangs, injecting toxic venom into the tissues of the prey. The venom kills and also aids with the digestive process.
Once they strike their prey with very fast precision, they hang on to it with their large fangs rather than letting it go and waiting for it to die. This behaviour is very different from the behaviour of other species of vipers.
VenomThe Gaboon viper venom is cytotoxic (it attacks and destroy cells and tissues), therefore the bite is painful, with a massive oedema which may lead to an early hypovolemic shock (due to sudden decrease of the pressure caused by the loss of liquids from the bloodstream), followed by necrosis and gangrene. There is also present a haemotoxic action with consequent haemorrhages, and, on the contrary, formation of clots and of disseminated thrombi.
Other symptoms may include uncoordinated movements, defecation, urination, swelling of the tongue and eyelids, convulsions and unconsciousness. Blistering, bruising and necrosis may be extensive. There may be sudden hypotension, heart damage and dyspnoea. The blood may become incoagulable with internal bleeding that may lead to haematuria and haematemesis.
Snake venom also contain components of therapeutic value.
Toxins represent potential therapeutic agents that have been used for the treatment of pathophysiological conditions in folk remedies, and in Western and Chinese traditional medicine.
Symbols.To the Native Americans, the snake is a symbol of transformation and healing.
In Greece the snake was a symbol of alchemy and healing. The god Hermes carried a staff upon which two snakes were entwined. This symbol is now the primary symbol of western medicine.
In India the Goddess Kadru was the mother of snakes and a symbol of water and the underworld. Shiva wears snakes for bracelets and necklaces which represent sexuality.
In Chinese astrology, one of the twelve years is named for the snake. Those who are born within that year are believed to have the qualities of compassion, clairvoyance and charm.
In Egypt the snake has also a mystical significance. The uraeus is a headband in the shape of a snake. The head of the snake rests and sticks out at the brow area. This was believed to represent a state of inner sight and control of the universe. It is believed to be a variation of the eye of Horus, or as the sacred eye of Ra. It represents a certain degree of wisdom and understanding.
In African mythology the snake is looked upon as the incarnation of deceased relatives.
In Christianity the snake is connected with the Garden of Eden and Satan and as a result the snake lost its earlier association with wisdom and healing, instead becoming noted as a symbol of evil.
LiteratureBitis gabonica gabonica was proven at DURBAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY; Thompson in 2004.