# Black Mamba (*Dendroaspis polylepis*)

> 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.

- **Category:** Reptile
- **Conservation status (IUCN):** Least Concern
- **Range:** Savannas, rocky hills, and open woodland from Eritrea and Somalia south through East and southern Africa to Namibia and South Africa.
- **Canonical page:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/black-mamba/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Scientific classification

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Chordata
- **Class:** Reptilia
- **Order:** Squamata
- **Family:** Elapidae
- **Genus:** Dendroaspis

## Facts at a glance

| Attribute | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Scientific name | Dendroaspis polylepis |
| 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) |
| Weight | Up to 1.6 kg (3.5 lb) |
| Top speed | Up to 16 km/h (10 mph) on open ground |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |

## 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.

## Behaviour and temperament

Contrary to myth, black mambas are shy and retreat when possible. They strike when cornered or threatened, often delivering multiple bites. The name comes from the inky black mouth lining displayed as a warning.

## Habitat and range

Black mambas inhabit savannas, rocky outcrops, and woodland from Eritrea and Somalia south through East Africa to South Africa and Namibia. They shelter in termite mounds, rock crevices, and tree hollows.

## Conservation and human conflict

Listed Least Concern, black mambas are not endangered but are killed out of fear in many areas. Education on snake behaviour, proper footwear, and antivenom access reduce unnecessary deaths on both sides.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is the black mamba black?

No. The skin is grey, olive, or brown. The name refers to the black colour inside the mouth.

### How fast is a black mamba?

They can move about 16 km/h (10 mph) over short distances — faster than most people expect for a snake, though not as fast as exaggerated myths claim.

### Are black mamba bites always fatal?

Not with modern antivenom and hospital care, but bites are medical emergencies. Untreated bites have high fatality rates.

### Where do black mambas live?

Sub-Saharan Africa, favouring savanna, rocky hills, and sparse woodland — not true desert or rainforest interiors.

### What should you do if you see a black mamba?

Back away slowly and leave it an escape route. Do not attempt to kill or capture it — most bites occur during such attempts.

## Sources

- [IUCN Red List — Dendroaspis polylepis.](https://www.iucnredlist.org/search?query=Dendroaspis%20polylepis&searchType=species)
- [Animal Diversity Web — Dendroaspis polylepis. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology.](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Dendroaspis_polylepis/)
- [Wikipedia — Black Mamba.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_mamba)

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