Black mamba

Black mamba

Black mamba is the most poisonous snake in Africa.It was first described in 1864 by Albert Gunther, a German-born British zoologist, ichthyologist, and herpetologist.

Etymology

The specific name polylepis, is also derived from the Greek words - poly or polus, simply means "many" or "more" and lepis, also Greek in origin, means "scales", therefore "polylepis" literally means "many-scales". This refers to the black mambas size and the many scales it has.

Distribution and habitat

According to WHO, the species is also found in Rwanda. The black mamba is not commonly found above altitudes of 1,000 metres (3,300 ft), although the distribution of black mamba does reach 1,800 metres (5,900 ft) in Kenya and 1,650 metres (5,410 ft) in Zambia. This species is also apparently relatively commoon in Guinea, one of the western-most nation in West Africa. The black mamba was recorded in 1954 in West Africa in the Dakar region of Senegal. However, this observation, and a subsequent observation that identified a second specimen in the region in 1956, have not been confirmed and thus the species' distribution in West Africa is inconclusive. The black mamba's western distribution contains gaps within the Central African Republic, Chad, Nigeria and Mali. These gaps may lead physicians to misidentify the black mamba and administer an ineffective anti venom.

Conservation status

 This species is regarded as common in sub-Saharan Africa, it has been found as far north as Senegal and as far south as northeast South Africa. Trape (2005) reports this species as far west as Senegal and Guinea. The black mamba is reported to be widespread in locations with suitable habitats. In areas with few records this can be attributed to undercollecting rather than low abundance.

Behavior and ecology

Unless completely cornered by a threat with no way to escape, the black mamba will generally make a quick escape when confronted.However, many scientists have taken notice of attacks from this species that come with no prior warning signals and no apparent provocation. It is one of the few venomous snake species of the world, or perhaps the only venomous snake species, that will attack without prior warning signals or provocation. This behavior, though not typical, has been noted in both captive and wild black mambas.

prey & enemies

prey

enemies 

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