Written by: Anushka Basnet - 2023002, Grade IX
Posted on: 18 February, 2021
The black mamba is a species of highly venomous snake belonging to the family Elapidae. It is originally from areas of Sub-Saharan Africa. According to Albert Günther in 1864 it is the second-longest venomous snake after the King Cobra. Its skin color varies from grey to dark brown. Black Mambas tend to be paler than adults and darken with age.
Black Mambas are both terrestrial and arboreal. It is known to prey on birds and small mammals. It can move up to 16 km/h (10 mph) for short distances. The black mamba usually opens its inky-black mouth, spreads its narrow neck-flap, and sometimes hisses to give a death threat. Its venom is composed of neurotoxins that often create symptoms within ten minutes. The black mamba attacks humans only if it is threatened or cornered. The black mamba is the most feared snake in Africa because of its size, aggression, venom toxicity, and speed.
The black mamba's bite is called the "kiss of death,", and it is said to balance at the end of its tail, towering over victims before attacking. Its scientific name is “Dendroaspis Polylepis”. It comes under the reptilia animal type. They can weigh up to 3.5 pounds and have a lifespan of 11 years. It is a carnivore and classified as Least Concerned animal to extinction. The snake feeds on hyrax, birds, bats, and bushbabies. It is an ambush predator that hunts by sight. Even though black mambas are naturally aggressive animals, they would escape if they had a chance and because of their speed they normally do it. But if they have their egg with them they will more likely attack. Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia are the common homes for Black Mambas.
It has very strong venom combined with the instinct to strike numerous times. Antivenom has to be administered quickly to someone who has been bitten by such a snake. The time span would likely be no more than 20 minutes. Black mambas are really pretty snakes and are most likely to not harm humans.
References:
https://www.snaketype.com/black-mamba/
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/reptiles/b/black-mamba/
https://www.livescience.com/43559-black-mamba.html
