Puff Adder

Range: Africa, south of the Sahara. Largest geographical range of any of the adders.

Habitat: Terrestrial animal found in varied dry habitats

Natural Diet: Small mammals, occasional ground dwelling birds.

Diet at Rain Forest: Pre-killed rodents

Size: 3-5 feet, very heavy bodied

Rain Forest Facts: There are currently two recognized species of the Puff Adder, differing in the construction of the scales. The animal is generally found in very stable numbers in sub-Saharan Africa. The Puff Adder is absent from high humidity environments such as those found on the west coast of Africa in the RainForest regions of the Congo.

Noted for having some of the most virulent hemotoxic venom of any snake, the Puff Adder can deliver large volumes of strong venom into deep bites with it's exceptionally long fangs. The bite of this creature to the native peoples of Africa is a very serious issue.

The skull and fang structure of this and other vipers is remarkable. The large fangs in the front of the skull act as hypodermic needles delivering large amounts of venom deep into the bite wound.

The fangs fold against the roof of the skull when not in use. Much like a shark the snake can regenerate fangs any time they become damaged or lost. Several new pairs of fangs can be seen developing immediately behind the primary pair.

Common threats in the wild include Warthogs, certain birds of prey and the occasional large Cobra.

In captivity the Puff Adder is known to retain a very nasty disposition, although the snake does exceptionally well in captivity due to it's strong appetite and seemingly strong ability to adjust to its environment.

As is the case with many species of Vipers this snake gives birth to live babies. Noted as the species that holds the world's record for live birth, the Puff Adder has produced as many as 156 live babies in a single clutch! Now that is a lot of little snake diapers to change!

Status in Wild: Stable