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Imagine a snake so quiet that it disappears into dead leaves, so powerful that a single shot of its fangs can be fatal. The viper of Gabon, the emblem of African forests, combines perfect camouflage, a powerful venom, and a formidable hunting strategy. This snake, which is both fascinating and intimidating, is an exceptional example of animal adaptation.
Perfect camouflage: an ace of disguise
The camouflage of the viper of Gabon is a true masterpiece. Its complex patterns, reminiscent of dead leaves, allow it to blend into its environment, to the point of becoming almost invisible. Immobilized for hours, it ambushes its prey, which completely ignores its presence.
Did you know? This camouflage not only helps hunting: it also deters potential predators by making the viper difficult to spot.
An impressive arsenal: fangs and venom
Gabon's viper holds a single record: its venomous fangs, the longest of all snakes, measure up to 5 cm. These fangs inject a powerful venom, a mixture of enzymes and toxins, causing severe pain, tissue damage, and sometimes death in the absence of treatment.
However, Gabon's viper is not aggressive and prefers to avoid humans. She only bites if she feels threatened or trampled by accident.
Tip: If you're exploring African forests, look carefully at where you're walking to avoid any incident.
Careful hunting: patience and effectiveness
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