The Black Mamba

Latin Name: Dendroaspis polylepisPolyvalent anti-venom is available but many
Âdoctors prefer not to use it as there are
Age: Up to 12 years in captivity has beennumerous cases of people reacting allergic to the
recorded.anti-venom which often consists of the
Âwhite-blood cells from horses. The alternative
Colour: The body of the black mamba is grey totreatment that hospitals often use is to put the
brown in colour. The only true black colour is thepatient on a life-support machine to keep the
inside mouth lining.heart pumping as well as artificial respirators to
Âkeep the lungs going. They keep the machines on
The black mamba is the largest venomous snakeuntil the body is strong enough once again to
in Africa averaging 2 - 2.5 m (6.5 ft - 8.2 ft), withsustain its self.
really large specimens reaching lengths of 4.2 mÂ
(13.8 ft). The black mamba is a very nervous andThe mamba's venom is very effective for
fast moving snake capable of moving at speedsimmobilising its prey. Within just a few seconds of
of up to 20km/hour (12.4 miles/hour). Whilebiting it prey, it dies from respiratory failure. Their
moving they are capable of lifting their bodies 2diet consists of mainly small mammals such as;
thirds of the ground, giving them a good all-roundrats, mice, squirrels, dassies (hyraxes) as well as
view of their surroundings.birds.
If cornered and threatened they can beÂ
extremely dangerous and won't hesitate to strike.The black mamba will often have a permanent lair
Like most snakes mambas are very shy andif not disturbed too often. A typical mamba lair
would rather avoid confrontations and move outwould be a hollow in a tree or in the cavities of
of sight before being seen.old termite mounds. They are not considered an
The black mamba is much feared and consideredarboreal species but can often be seen warming
by many to be the most dangerous snake inup on cold days high in trees. Black mambas are
Africa. The reason for this is their aggressivenot territorial as they don't scent-mark the areas
behaviour and potent venom which isthey live in and they defend areas against other
predominantly neuro-toxic. A single bite can kill themambas.
average man in an hour. A person that is allergicÂ
to bees can die within 20 minutes if bitten by aBreeding takes place in the early spring. After a
black mamba! The neuro-toxic venom consistssuccessful copulation the eggs develop in the
mainly of proteins that enter the blood-streamfemale's body for about 60 days. Mature females
and bond on to the ends of the nerves wherelay between 15 and 25 eggs which are often
the nerves join onto the different muscles. Thesehidden within termite mounds. The eggs incubate
proteins block off the nerve impulses from thefor about 60 days before hatching. The hatchlings
brain which then stops the heart from pumping asare about 50 cm (20 inches) in length and totally
well as the muscles which expand and contractindependent after leaving the eggs.
the lungs, followed soon by death.