20 Deadly Black Mamba Facts: Africa’s Iconic Snake
The black mamba is one of the most feared and revered snakes in Africa. As one of the fastest and most venomous snakes in the world, the black mamba has a reputation for being aggressive, deadly, and intimidating. However, there is much more to this fascinating reptile beyond its danger. Here are 20 interesting facts about the black mamba:
1. They Are Not Actually Black
Despite its name, the black mamba is not actually black. Its skin has olive, grey, or brown scales with a pale belly. The inside of its mouth is black, which is likely how it got its name. When threatened, the black mamba will open its mouth wide to show the black interior as a warning signal.
2. One of the Fastest Snakes in the World
The black mamba is considered the fastest land snake in the world. It can reach slithering speeds up to 12 mph, which makes it faster than most humans can run. This incredible speed allows it to strike prey quickly and evade predators with ease.
3. Highly Venomous and Potentially Lethal
Black mamba venom is highly potent and can be lethal to humans if left untreated. It is a neurotoxin and cardiotoxin that first attacks the nervous system, causing symptoms like dizziness, muscle paralysis, and respiratory failure. Without antivenom treatment, the mortality rate from a black mamba bite is 100%.
4. Found in Parts of Sub-Saharan Africa
Black mambas reside in various habitats like savannas, rocky hills, and open woodlands in parts of southern and eastern Africa. Some countries they inhabit include South Africa, Swaziland, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Eswatini.
5. Excellent Tree Climbers
Unlike many snake species, the black mamba is an adept climber and spends a great deal of time in trees and bushes. Their slender bodies and length allow them to easily navigate branches. They can also descend headfirst quickly when threatened.
6. Can Grow Over 14 Feet Long
Black mambas are some of the longest venomous snakes in the world. They average 6-10 feet in length but can reach over 14 feet long. Their slender build gives them a length advantage over bulkier snakes.
7. Lay Between 6-17 Eggs Per Clutch
Female black mambas lay eggs during the spring and summer months. A single clutch contains 6-17 eggs on average. The eggs incubate for around 90 days before hatching. Baby black mambas are independent from birth.
8. Have Specialized Scales for Speed
The scales on a black mamba are specialized for speed. Their underside scales allow them to grip and climb efficiently. Their overlapping back scales can spread apart to increase stride length and speed.
9. Have Excellent Eyesight
Unlike many snake species, the black mamba relies heavily on its eyesight when hunting. Its eyes have specialized muscles that allow it to see well during the day. This helps them accurately strike at fast-moving prey.
10. Cold-Blooded Like All Snakes
As a reptile, the black mamba is cold-blooded. It relies on external temperatures to regulate its body temperature. On hot days, it will be more active while it remains still and hidden on cold days.
11. Give Birth to Live Young
While most snakes lay eggs, the black mamba is ovoviviparous. This means it gives birth to live young instead of laying eggs. Each litter produces 10-25 babies that are born one at a time in rapid succession.
12. Have a Specialized Hunting Style
The black mamba is diurnal, meaning it hunts during the day. It uses stealth, patience, speed, and accuracy to ambush prey from trees, holes, termite mounds, and other hiding spots. It strikes quickly, injects venom, and waits for prey to succumb.
13. Have Few Natural Predators
Due to their intimidating speed, size, and venom, adult black mambas have few natural predators. However, threats can include predatory birds, mongoose, and snakes like king cobras. Young mambas may fall prey to a wider range of predators.
14. Actually Shy and Docile
Despite being highly venomous, black mambas are actually quite shy and docile. They prefer to avoid humans when possible. However, they can become aggressive when threatened and strike repeatedly with lethal consequences.
15. Have a Specialized Defense Display
When threatened, the black mamba will rear up, open its inky black mouth, and spread its narrow neck into a specialized hood shape. This cobra-like defensive display serves as a warning to predators to back off.
16. Have Excellent Sense of Smell
Black mambas rely heavily on their sense of smell (olfaction) to hunt and detect threats. By flicking their forked tongues, they collect odor molecules from the air and surroundings. This allows them to locate prey and identify predators.
17. Are Both Terrestrial and Arboreal
The black mamba is unique in that it lives both on land (terrestrial) and in trees (arboreal). Its specialized scales allow it to move efficiently in both environments. It climbs trees to hunt, escape threats, and rest.
18. Are Ovoviviparous
Unlike most snakes that lay eggs, the black mamba is ovoviviparous. This means that eggs are fertilized and develop inside the female’s body. She then gives birth to live young when the embryos are fully developed.
19. Are Diurnal Hunters
Black mambas are diurnal, meaning they hunt during the day rather than at night. Their excellent eyesight gives them an advantage when hunting prey during daylight hours. They use stealth and camouflage to remain hidden.
20. Are Milked for Their Venom
Black mamba venom is harvested for the production of antivenom. The snakes are “milked” to extract their venom, which involves having them bite down on a container. The venom can then be used to create lifesaving antivenom.
The black mamba is a fascinating and formidable snake that has rightfully earned its reputation as one of the most dangerous snakes in Africa and the world. However, they play an important role as predators in their ecosystems and avoid conflict when possible. Understanding their biology and behavior leads to a greater appreciation for these iconic reptiles.
