The Black Mamba snake is the largest venomous snake in Africa and the second largest venomous snake in the world, the only other snake larger is the King Cobra.
The Black Mamba snake is found in Eastern Africa, from southern Ethiopia to southwest Africa.
– CHARACTERISTICS –
Adult Black mamba snakes have an average length of 2.5 metres (8.2 feet) and a maximum length of 4.5 metres (14 feet).
The Black mamba snake receives its name from the black coloration inside of its mouth, rather than their skin color which is a grey to olive tone.
The Black mamba snake is the fastest moving snake in the world, capable of moving up to 20 kilometres per hour (12.5 miles per hour). However it uses this speed to escape danger, rather than catch prey.
– HABITAT –
Black mamba snakes live primarily in scrub land and though not considered an arboreal species, can live in bushes and small trees.
– BEHAVIOUR AND DIET –
Black mambas spend their nights in holes in the ground, usually disused burrows or hiding deep among fallen rocks or timber.
These hiding places are also fled to by the snake if it becomes alarmed and it will attack any creature blocking the path to its hole.
Like all reptiles, the black mamba snake is cold blooded and relies on external heat to maintain its body temperature.
Therefore, it frequently basks in the sun during the day, either on a low branch or a rock, however, during the summer, the snake may be forced to take cover in its burrow if it becomes too hot.
If left undisturbed, Black Mamba snakes tends to live in their lairs for long periods of time, which are often vacated insect mounds or hollow trees.
Black mamba snakes are diurnal snakes that hunt prey actively day or night. When hunting small animals, the Black Mamba snake delivers a single deadly bite and then retreats, waiting for the neurotoxin in its venom to paralyze the prey.
When killing a bird, however, the Black Mamba snake will cling to its prey, preventing it from flying away.
Black mamba snakes travel quickly across rough ground or along low tree branches when hunting.
