Range

Africa is the native home of the puff adder. Here they can be found throughout much of Sub-saharan Africa and north to the Arabian peninsula.

Habitat

Their wide range is due, in part, to their adaptability to a wide range of habitats. Potential homes for this snake include deserts, rainforests, grasslands, savanna and open forest.

Reproduction

Mating takes place between October and December. Males will fight for breeding rights with the females in the area. Once they obtain this they will court a female by following her and flicking their tongue.

Puff adders give birth to live young unlike most snakes which lay eggs. Eggs are still produced but these incubate inside the mother for up to 10 months and hatch prior to her giving birth to the juveniles.

They can produce large litters of snakes with an average of 20-40 but up to 60 have been produced in exceptionally large clutches.

Sexual maturity is reached at four years old.

Behavior

Unlike most snakes which move through s-shaped wiggles this snake moves in a straight line similar to a caterpillar.

These snakes are primarily active at night.

Puff adders are solitary and only come together to mate.

Predators and Threats

Natural predators of the puff adder include secretary birds, honey badgers, birds of prey such as eagles and hornbills, warthogs and the cape cobra.

To protect against predation their coloration provides effective camouflage in their environment. If this is unsuccessful they will hiss and if they continue to be threatened they will bite the predator. They also inject their potent venom.

Quick facts

Puff adders are responsible for a number of snakebite deaths in Africa each year. Their hemotoxic venom affects the bloodstream. If bitten by any snake it is important to seek medical treatment.

To deliver the venom they have hinged fangs which allow them to be quite large.

Their name, puff adder, comes from the way they will inflate their body and puff loudly if threatened.