Permits isn't a issue. But you do need a seller to apply for a permit, and to have a seller you need to be interested in something, and to be interested in something you should be able to afford it, so you get my drift... I bet most people don't even know the differences between Bitis gabonica and Bitis rhinoceros anyways. But the fact that your in Limpopo (only saw earlier) adds transport permits and all sorts of other headaches as-well, so it's something to consider.

that is very nice! would love a baby western gaboon!keep me updated as soon as you have litle gaboons pleas!

pictures would be appreciated bush loving lady

thats awesome gonna need to get geboons one day if I want all the 12 bitis spp in my collection, were did Daneel go ?The guys at pestop doesn't seem to be very keen on telling were he whent

Mailjvdb wrote:

Permits isn't a issue. But you do need a seller to apply for a permit, and to have a seller you need to be interested in something, and to be interested in something you should be able to afford it, so you get my drift... I bet most people don't even know the differences between Bitis gabonica and Bitis rhinoceros anyways. But the fact that your in Limpopo (only saw earlier) adds transport permits and all sorts of other headaches as-well, so it's something to consider.

To apply for a indigenous snake, for example Dendroaspis angusticeps, you just need a apply for a normal Permit to keep live wild animals.
However, Bitis gabonica gabonica, is listed on CITES as an endangered specie, thus you will need a CITES Permit to be able to keep them.

But, in order to obtain a CITES Permit you will have to motivate the following:
1.What is your experience working with these venomous snakes
2.For what reason do you intend to keep them
3.Any other permits, as well as import and export permits, you might have for other snakes. (This I might add is very important cause it shows your experience, competency and dedication in handling/keeping venomous snakes. It also gives nature conservation a good track record of your acvtivities)
4.Have you had any formal training?

And if you are lucky they will grant you your Permit, depending on the above.

You also don't need to wait for a seller, you can already file a application before even getting a seller. Which in my opinion is the quickest way to go, plus if you are keen on getting these guys you would have started preparing before even considering to buy one. You need the CITES permit first before you can import or export these. Import and Export Permits are required for any CITES listed.
To get this permit can take quite along time...get my drift...

I agree most people don't know the diffrence between Bitis gabonica gabonica and Bitis gabonica rhinoceros ….

Thanks for the schooling and help, but that's not what I was after,especially after being talked to like I'm in kinder-garden. It doesn't help I even try to organize anything if I can't afford the snake obviously and that's the only drift at the moment worth considering, affordability.

By the way... B.gabonica gabonica and B. gabonica rhinoceros are prehistoric terms thats still wasting paper and bandwidth(as is this current conversation). They aren't classified as subspecies anymore and are called Bitis gabonica & Bitis rhinoceros. Your so up to date, I figured you would have known that.

@Dasie, Goodluck finding B.rubida & B.armata though. Also keeping B.schneiderii or B.peringueyi alive for longer than a year or so would be a lovely achievement. Do you own any Bitis at present? They are all wonderful snakes!