4.Puff Adder : 

The Puff Adder

The Puff Adder (Bitis arietans) is another venomous viper species which is responsible for the highest number of fatalities and snake- bite injuries in Africa; hence considered as the deadliest snake of Africa. Apart from little solemness of the snake and striking only in duress, this snake is responsible for the fatalities due its wide distribution in populated areas of Africa. Their habitat extends even to some parts of the Arabian peninsula, where it is found in South-Western Saudi Arabia and Yemen. Puff Adder gets its name as it puffs and hisses when disturbed. Puff Adders are nocturnal; they rarely forage actively and try to ambush its prey. They generally rely on rodents, small mammals and birds for food.

This snake is thick, robust and stout by personality. They are solidly built with wide girth and are easily recognizable. They can grow to a maximum length of 1.9 meters, however the average being 1 meter. Puff adders on an average weigh over 6 kg. Color patterns on their bodies may vary depending on geographical locations. Males are relatively larger than females with larger tails and fangs.

Puff Adders are typical ambush snakes. Despite of the common perception because of its sluggish behavior, contrarily, these snakes are capable of striking with lightening speed. They rely on camouflage for protection and lie still if approached. When being threatened, they coil themselves to defend and may strike in a very sudden and quickly regains its position and can even attack repeatedly. Prey is often killed by the physical trauma alone. Envenomation symptoms begin with severe pain and tenderness along with bleeding and swelling. Serious bites result in significant hemorrhage and severe necrosis. Symptoms may also include blood blisters, nausea, vomiting or may result in unconsciousness. Death may occur in 25 hours after post bite. The anti-venom are not available in most parts of Africa, Asia and America. The fatalities can be greatly reduced if the medical facilities are made available to rural areas especially in Africa.  




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