The black mamba is found in the northern regions of southern Africa. The species is regarded as common in sub-Saharan Africa, occurrence in Senegal and Guinea has also been reported (Spawls 2010) This observation, and a subsequent observation that identified a second specimen in the region in 1956, has not been confirmed and thus the snake’s distribution in this area is inconclusive. In 1954, the black mamba was recorded in the Dakar region of Senegal. The black mambas distribution in parts of West Africa has been disputed. The black mamba inhabits a wide range in sub-Saharan Africa its range includes Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, Mozambique, Eswatini, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, South Africa, Namibia and Angola. Like many snakes, when threatened, they will display aggression with a set of signals warning of the possibility of attack. They have no external ears, but are quite adept at detecting vibrations from the ground. These sideways movements propel the animal throughout their environment successfully. They often use their eyesight, mainly for detection of motion, and sudden movements will cause them to strike.īlack mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis) – © Johan MaraisĪ black mamba moves using lateral undulation, which essentially involves moving in an ‘S’ shape and pushing off from objects in its path, such as trees, rocks or even piles of soil or dirt, to gain momentum. The organ processes stimuli and helps the snake to detect what is in its environment and where potential prey is. They have a specialised organ known as the vomeronasal organ, or the Jacobson’s organ, which is involved in the snake’s chemical communication and in hunting prey. Black mambas can strike repeatedly, injecting its deadly neurotoxic venom which causes difficulty in breathing within half an hour. The black actually refers to the colour of the inside of its mouth.īlack mambas are shy but aggressive, and if cornered, the snake may rear up and threaten with an open mouth and a slightly expanded or flattened neck (or hood) before striking. Instead, it ranges in colour from grey to dark brown, with a lighter underside. Despite its name, the snake is not black. The average adult black mamba is 2.0–2.5 metres long, with a maximum length of 4.3 metres (14 feet). Black mambas live in sub-Saharan Africa and are one of the continent’s most dangerous snakes. They have coffin-shaped heads and are graceful, athletic snakes. The deadliest and fastest snake in Africa! The death kisser.īlack mambas are known for their large size, quickness and extremely potent venom. Common names: Black mamba, black-mouthed mamba, southern brown mamba (Eng.) swartmamba (Afr.), imamba emnyama (isiZulu & Ndebele) mokwepa (Setswana and Sepedi), khangala (tshiVenda), mamba ya ntima (Xitsonga), hangara (Shona).
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