DURBAN - A rare and beautifully marked thick-bodied Gaboon Viper was rescued and released in the St Lucia area by a group of rescuers.
Start Rescue spokesperson Warren Brauns said on Friday at 3.39pm, the Start St Lucia first response team was called to one of the local lodges in the area.
“On arrival, the team were presented with a very rare and exquisitely marked, thick-bodied Gaboon Viper (Bitis Gabonica) approximately 1.2m in length,” Brauns said.
He said the rare snake was safely caught and under the guidance of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife section rangers, was relocated to a nearby reserve where it could continue living without being disturbed.
“These snakes hold the record for the longest fangs which can reach an incredible 4–5cm in length. This species, which is a master of camouflage, will give off a loud deep hiss when disturbed.”
Brauns warned people not to be fooled by the snakes’s sluggish appearance and reluctance to bite, as they had a strike as quick as lightning.
Commenting on the rescue, Ann Tunstall said they had a Gaboon Viper in Entebbe in Uganda. Their neighbour’s small daughter came into the house and said “daddy, look what I’ve found” while holding up a young Gaboon Viper.
“They are beautiful,” she said.
Daily News