# How Long Do Black Mambas Live?

> Black Mamba lifespan is typically 11–12 years in the wild (longer in captivity). What shortens or extends life, life stages, and status (Least Concern).

- **Species:** Black Mamba (*Dendroaspis polylepis*)
- **Conservation status:** Least Concern
- **Diet:** Carnivore — small mammals, birds, and occasionally bats
- **Habitat:** Savannas, rocky hills, and woodland in sub-Saharan Africa
- **Lifespan:** 11–12 years in the wild (longer in captivity)
- **Top speed:** Up to 16 km/h (10 mph) on open ground
- **Canonical HTML:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/black-mamba/how-long-do-black-mamba-live/
- **Parent profile:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/black-mamba/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Quick answer

The black mamba is a long, slender African snake named for the dark interior of its mouth, not its grey-brown skin. It can reach 4.3 m (14 ft), move at speeds around 16 km/h (10 mph), and delivers potent neurotoxic venom. Despite its fearsome reputation, it usually flees from humans.

## Who should skip this page

Skip this if you need a prognosis for one named animal. This page is a species lifespan range.

## Speed and venom

Black mambas are among the fastest snakes in Africa, capable of raising a third of the body off the ground while moving. Their venom is primarily neurotoxic, affecting breathing and nervous function. Without antivenom, bites can be fatal, which contributes to their deadly reputation.

## Help protect the Black Mamba

Snakes like the black mamba are killed out of fear even though habitat loss drives more encounters with people.

[Donate to habitat protection](https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/habitat-loss-wildlife-extinction/)

---
Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/black-mamba/how-long-do-black-mamba-live/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.