16. Black Mamba

The black mamba, Dendroaspis Polylepis, is a snake of the Elapidae family, the genus Dendroaspis. Five species belong to this genus. The black mamba is the largest venomous snake in Africa and the second largest venomous snake in the world (only the king cobra is bigger). Its average length is about 2 - 2.5 m, but it reaches 4 - 4.5 m. It got its name because of the black inside of its mouth, but its color varies from olive-brown or khaki to dark gray, often changing with age. The black mamba is the fastest snake in the world, developing a speed of 12 to 18 km/h. The fangs are located in the front of the mouth, very small, and poison is neurotoxic. Different populations have differences in the chemical composition of the poison. Interestingly, about 50% of the bites are dry – no poison is injected. It feeds on small rodents, birds, rarely on lizards and snakes. The mamba itself is a common victim of some species of raptors, mongoose and honey badgers. Although climbing the trees, it is not a tree species. It prefers coastal reeds and shrubs. The black mamba is a strictly territorial snake, which usually retreats in danger but becomes particularly aggressive when it feels threatened - especially if the danger lies between the snake and its den. It prefers to live in abandoned termite mounds and anthills or hollows.