Main Characteristics

Black Mambas are the largest venomous snakes in Africa. They are grey or brown in colour and their streamline body is covered in large, smooth scales. The get their name from the black colouration inside their mouth. When they feel threatened they flatten their neck, hiss loudly and display their black mouth and deadly fangs.

Habitat

Black Mambas are found in the wooded savannahs and rocky hills of east and southern Africa. They make dens in tree holes or rock crevices and they are active during the day.

Diet

Blacks mambas feed on birds and small mammals.

Breeding

Black Mambas mate in early spring and females lay 12 - 17 eggs in underground chambers. After 2 - 3 months the eggs hatch and the young are able to fend for themselves straight away.

Predators

Predators of Black Mambas include humans, birds of prey, foxes, jackals and mongooses.

Interesting Facts

Black Mambas are among the 10 most venomous snakes in the world.

Black Mambas have the reputation of being the fastest moving snake on land.

Similar Animals

Eastern Green Mamba
Western Green Mamba
Jameson's Mamba