Black Mamba

The black mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis) is the longest venomous snake in Africa and among the fastest-moving snakes in the world over short distances. Despite its name, its body color is usually olive, gray, or gunmetal brown; the name instead refers to the ink-black interior of its mouth, displayed in a threat gape.

It is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous snakes due to its potent neurotoxic venom, large size, and willingness to deliver multiple rapid bites when threatened, making it a snake of significant medical concern across its range.

A large, slender, fast-moving elapid with distinctive coffin-shaped head.

• Body color typically olive, gray-brown, or gunmetal, not black; juveniles are paler
• Interior of the mouth is jet black, displayed as a warning when threatened
• Head is elongated and somewhat coffin-shaped, narrow and distinct from the neck
• Smooth scales, round pupils, and a slender, agile build
• Adults commonly 2-3.2 m, exceptionally reaching over 4 m

Found across savanna, woodland, rocky outcrops, and semi-arid scrub throughout sub-Saharan Africa, from parts of West Africa across to East and southern Africa. It often uses termite mounds, rock crevices, and hollow trees as retreats and may occupy the same lair for extended periods.

Diurnal and highly alert, capable of moving quickly across open ground when pursuing prey or fleeing threats. It hunts small mammals and birds using a fast strike-and-release or strike-and-hold technique depending on prey type. When cornered it raises its forebody, spreads a narrow hood, gapes its black mouth, and can deliver repeated bites. Reproduction is oviparous, with clutches typically of 6-17 eggs.