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A recent taxonomy research about bitis gabonica and nasicornis:
Lenk et al. (1999) used molecular data (immunological distances and mitochondrial DNA sequences) to estimate the phylogenetic relationships among species of Bitis. They identified four principal monophyletic groups, which they classify as subgenera of the genus Bitis: (i) subgenus Bitis contains the single species B. arietans; (ii) subgenus Macrocerastes contains B. gabonica, B. nasicornis, and probably B. parviocula; (iii) subgenus Calechidna contains the smaller species of Bitis from southern Africa; (iv) subgenus Keniabitis contains only Bitis worthingtoni, from Kenya.
Subgenera are of limited importance for nomenclatural purposes: all the species can continue to be referred to simply as Bitis spp., without concern for subgeneric classification. However, the definition of subgenera within a genus often precedes a full split into several genera. Consequently, those interested in these snakes or their venoms would be well advised to familiarise themselves with these new subgenera.
In addition to the broader study of the subgenera of Bitis, Lenk et al. (1999) also noted a considerable degree of differentiation between the two conventionally recognised subspecies of Bitis gabonica: B. g. gabonica and B. g. rhinoceros are as differentiated from each other as each is from B. nasicornis. In consequence, Lenk et al. (1999) consider the western form of the Gaboon viper to be a separate species, Bitis rhinoceros. The apparently ancient divergence between B. gabonica and B. rhinoceros suggests that comparisons of venom composition and antivenom effectiveness between the two species may be required.
Abstract from: Lenk, P., H.-W. Herrmann, U. Joger, & M. Wink (1999) Phylogeny and taxonomic subdivision of Bitis (Reptilia: Viperidae) based on molecular evidence. Kaupia, 8: 31-38.
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