Back Pofadder (slang) Afrikaans أفعى نافخة Arabic افعى نفاثه ARZ পাফ্ অ্যাডার Bengali/Bangla Escurçó bufador Catalan Bitis arietans CEB Zmije útočná Czech Bahigu DAG Puffotter German Anyak DIN
| Puff adder | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Viperidae |
| Genus: | Bitis |
| Species: | B. arietans
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| Binomial name | |
| Bitis arietans (Merrem, 1820)
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| Distribution range[1] | |
| Synonyms | |
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The puff adder (Bitis arietans) is a highly venomous viper species found in savannahs and grasslands from Morocco and western Arabia throughout Africa except for the Sahara and rainforest regions.[3] It is responsible for causing the most snakebite fatalities in Africa owing to various factors, such as its wide distribution, frequent occurrence in highly populated regions, and aggressive disposition.[4][5] Like all other vipers, it is venomous. Two subspecies are currently recognized, including the nominate subspecies described here.[6]
The species is commonly known as the puff adder,[4][7] African puff adder,[8][9] or common puff adder.[10]
- ^ a b Wagner, P.; Wilms, T.; Luiselli, L.; Penner, J.; Rödel, M.-O.; Els, J.; Al Johany, A.M.H.; Egan, D.M.; Beraduccii, J.; Howell, K.; Msuya, C.A.; Ngalason, W.; Turner, A.A.; Zassi-Boulou, A.-G.; Kusamba, C.; Chippaux, J.-P. (2021). "Bitis arietans". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2021: e.T197461A2485974. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-3.RLTS.T197461A2485974.en.
- ^ McDiarmid RW, Campbell JA, Touré T. 1999. Snake Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference, Volume 1. Herpetologists' League. 511 pp. ISBN 1-893777-00-6 (series). ISBN 1-893777-01-4 (volume).
- ^ Venomous Snakes of the World. U.S. Navy Manuals. New York: Dover Publications Inc. 1991. ISBN 0-486-26629-X.
- ^ a b Mallow D; Ludwig D; Nilson G. (2003). True Vipers: Natural History and Toxinology of Old World Vipers. Malabar, Florida: Krieger Publishing Company. ISBN 0-89464-877-2..
- ^ Spawls S; Howell K; Drewes R; Ashe J. (2004). A Field Guide to the Reptiles of East Africa. London: A & C Black Publishers Ltd. ISBN 0-7136-6817-2..
- ^ "Bitis arietans". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 24 July 2006.
- ^ Spawls S; Branch B. (1995). The Dangerous Snakes of Africa. Ralph Curtis Books. ISBN 0-88359-029-8.
- ^ Fichter GS. (1982). Venomous Snakes (A First Book). Franklin Watts. ISBN 0-531-04349-5..
- ^ Kauffeld C. [in French] (1969). Snakes: The Keeper and the Kept. Garden City, New York: Doubleday & Company, Inc.
- ^ "Bitis arietans". Munich AntiVenom INdex. Retrieved 2 August 2007.