The black mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis) is a highly venomous snake species belonging to the Elapidae family, native to sub-Saharan Africa. First formally described by Albert Günther in 1864, it is the second-longest venomous snake after the king cobra. Despite its fearsome reputation and the myths surrounding it, understanding the black mamba's diet provides valuable insight into its role in the ecosystem and its interactions with other species.
Physical Characteristics and Habitat
Mature black mamba specimens generally exceed 2 meters (6 ft 7 in) and commonly grow to 3 meters (9.8 ft). Specimens of 4.3 to 4.5 m (14 to 15 ft) have been reported. It varies in colour from grey to dark brown. Juvenile black mambas tend to be more pale in colour than adults, and darken with age. The scales of some individuals may have a purplish sheen. Black mambas have greyish-white underbellies. The common name is derived from the appearance of the inside of the mouth, dark bluish-grey to nearly black. Mamba eyes range between greyish-brown and shades of black; the pupil is surrounded by a silvery-white or yellow colour. The number and pattern of scales on a snake's body are a key element of identification to species level. The black mamba has between 23 and 25 rows of dorsal scales at midbody, 248 to 281 ventral scales, 109 to 132 divided subcaudal scales, and a divided anal scale. Its mouth is lined with 7-8 supralabial scales above, with the fourth and sometimes also the third one located under the eye, and 10-14 sublabial scales below.
The black mamba inhabits a wide range in sub-Saharan Africa; its range includes Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, Mozambique, Eswatini, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, South Africa, Namibia, and Angola. The species is both terrestrial (ground-living) and arboreal (tree-living); it inhabits savannah, woodland, rocky slopes and in some regions, dense forest. This adaptability allows it to thrive in diverse environments, influencing its hunting strategies and dietary choices.
Hunting and Dietary Preferences
The black mamba is a carnivore with a diet primarily consisting of small vertebrates. It usually hunts from a permanent lair, to which it will regularly return if there is no disturbance. They generally prefer warm-blooded prey but will also consume other snakes. Its diet mainly consists of rodents, which it actively hunts. This predation plays a significant role in controlling the rodent population, influencing the ecosystem's balance. Birds - especially nestlings and those roosting in trees - are also part of the mamba's balanced diet. These adept climbers use the skill to raid nests or capture roosting birds.
- Small Mammals: Rodents, bats, hyraxes, and bushbabies form a significant part of the black mamba's diet. In the Transvaal area of South Africa, almost all recorded prey was rather small, largely consisting of rodents and similarly sized small or juvenile mammals as well as passerine birds, estimated to weigh only 1.9-7.8% of the mamba's body mass.
- Birds: The black mamba preys on birds, particularly nestlings and fledglings.
- Other Snakes: While less common, the black mamba has been known to consume other snakes, including black cobras (also called forest cobras). Specimens of black cobras have been found in the stomachs of Black Mambas. If they do prey on other snakes it is usually baby or juvenile snakes.
The black mamba does not typically hold onto its prey after biting; rather it releases its quarry and waits for it to succumb to paralysis and death before it is swallowed. Black Mambas prefer to eat live prey.
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Hunting Behavior and Venom
Black mambas are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. They will hunt throughout the day when they need food. They will slither around in the forest floor looking for small rodents, amphibians, birds or even other snakes. The black mamba attacks its prey by striking with its venom-filled fangs, injecting a potent neurotoxin. This venom rapidly immobilizes the prey, leading to a quick demise.
The venom is predominantly neurotoxic, and symptoms often become apparent within 10 minutes. Early neurological signs that indicate severe envenomation include a metallic taste, drooping eyelids (ptosis), and gradual symptoms of bulbar palsy. The bite of a black mamba can cause a collapse in humans within 45 minutes. Without appropriate antivenom treatment, symptoms typically progress to respiratory failure, which leads to cardiovascular collapse and death.
Diet of Juvenile Black Mambas
Baby Black Mambas eat the same diet as adult ones, just smaller prey. Females lay 6-20 eggs and the snakes look much like the adults when they hatch. They start out at 20 inches long and grow quickly, reaching 6 feet by the time they are one year old.
When hatched, the young range from 40-60 cm (16-24 in) in length. They are independent directly from birth and have to be able to care for themselves. Snakelets may grow quickly, reaching 2 m (6 ft 7 in) after their first year.
Predators and Ecosystem Role
Adult mambas have few natural predators aside from birds of prey. The main threat to these snakes is birds of prey like Secretary birds and Brown snake eagles. Whiles eagles will swoop down and snatch a snake at the back of the head, hoping to break its neck Secretary birds have a unique snake hunting technique.
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Black mambas play a very important ecological role in their environment as they help to control populations of small rodents they prey on.
Human Interactions and Conservation Status
Despite its reputation as a formidable and highly aggressive species, 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 of onset of symptoms following envenomation, and is classified as a snake of medical importance by the World Health Organization.
According to IUCN, the Black mamba is locally common and widespread throughout its range but no overall population estimate is available.
Black Mamba Venom Composition and Effects
Unlike many venomous snake species, black mamba venom does not contain protease enzymes. Its bites do not generally cause local swelling or necrosis, and the only initial symptom may be a tingling sensation in the area of the bite. The snake tends to bite repeatedly and let go, so there can be multiple puncture wounds. Its bite can deliver about 100-120 mg of venom on average; the maximum recorded dose is 400 mg. The murine median lethal dose (LD50) when administered intravenously has been calculated at 0.32 and 0.33 mg/kg.
In 2015, the proteome (complete protein profile) of black mamba venom was assessed and published, revealing 41 distinct proteins and one nucleoside. The venom is composed of two main families of toxic agents, dendrotoxins (I and K) and (at a slightly lower proportion) three-finger toxins.
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Standard first aid treatment for any suspected bite from a venomous snake is the application of a pressure bandage to the bite site, minimisation of movement of the victim and conveyance to a hospital or clinic as quickly as possible.
Notable Mamba Bites and Survival Stories
Several documented cases highlight the severity of black mamba bites and the importance of prompt medical intervention:
- Danie Pienaar: Survived a black mamba bite without antivenom in 1998, requiring intubation and life support.
- Nathan Layton: Bitten by a black mamba in 2008 but initially dismissed the severity, highlighting the potential for delayed symptom recognition.
- Mark Laita: Bitten during a photo-shoot but experienced minimal effects, possibly due to a "dry bite" or venom expulsion.
- Cheposait Adomo: Attacked by three black mambas in 2016, surviving after receiving antivenom.
- Anton Steenkamp: Died after being bitten by a black mamba in Zambia in 2019.
- Georgi Elenski: Bitten by a black mamba in his personal collection in 2020.
- Unnamed Student: A 17-year-old student from Zimbabwe died after being bitten by a black mamba in January 2023.
Distinguishing Black Mambas from Other Mamba Species
There are several other species of mambas, each with distinct characteristics and habitats:
- Eastern green mamba (Dendroaspis angusticeps): This bright-green species inhabits the coastal regions of southern East Africa, preferring trees and bushes, where it can easily hide. While this snake is less aggressive than the black mamba, its venom is still a potent neurotoxin, though human encounters are rare due to its arboreal lifestyle.
- Western green mamba (Dendroaspis viridis): Residing in the coastal jungles of West Africa, the Western green mamba also sports a bright green color. It's similar to the Eastern green mamba in its arboreal habit and nonaggressive nature. Its venom has neurotoxic effects, but human encounters are infrequent.
- Jameson's mamba (Dendroaspis jamesoni): Found in Central and Western Africa, Jameson's mamba lives in both forests and open areas. It has a variable shade of green color and is known for its nervous and quick-to-escape behavior when threatened.