# Boomslang (*Dispholidus typus*)

> The boomslang (Dispholidus typus) is an arboreal African colubrid with potent haemotoxic venom and large rear fangs. It hunts chameleons and birds in savanna and woodland canopies across sub-Saharan Africa, weighs about 0.5 kg, and is listed Least Concern — famous also for the fatal bite that killed herpetologist Karl Schmidt in 1957.

- **Category:** Reptile
- **Conservation status (IUCN):** Least Concern
- **Range:** Savanna and woodland trees across much of sub-Saharan Africa.
- **Canonical page:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/boomslang/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Scientific classification

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Chordata
- **Class:** Reptilia
- **Order:** Squamata
- **Family:** Colubridae
- **Genus:** Dispholidus

## Facts at a glance

| Attribute | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Scientific name | Dispholidus typus |
| Diet | Carnivore (chameleons and birds) |
| Habitat | Tree canopies in savanna and woodland |
| Lifespan | Around 10 years in the wild (varies by population and captivity). |
| Weight | About 0.5 kg typical adult mass (sex and region vary). |
| Top speed | Up to roughly 5 km/h when moving at speed. |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |

## Big eyes in the canopy

Enormous eyes give excellent vision for spotting prey among leaves. Colour varies from green to brown or grey. Rear fangs sit far back, so many defensive bites fail to envenomate — but a solid bite is dangerous.

## Chameleons and nestling birds

Diet focuses on chameleons, other lizards, frogs, and birds or eggs raided from nests in trees. Across its range it is tied to tree canopies in savanna and woodland, and field accounts emphasise this species’ distinctive ecology rather than generic habitat labels.

## Sub-Saharan tree country

Savanna and woodland canopies across much of sub-Saharan Africa — the Afrikaans name means "tree snake.". Across its range it is tied to tree canopies in savanna and woodland, and field accounts emphasise this species’ distinctive ecology rather than generic habitat labels.

## Venom research milestone

Least Concern as a species. Schmidt's documented self-report after a bite advanced understanding of boomslang coagulopathy; specific antivenom now exists in southern Africa.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is boomslang venom dangerous?

Yes — it can cause severe clotting disorders; seek emergency care even if symptoms are delayed.

### Why are boomslang bites sometimes "dry"?

Rear fangs may not engage in quick defensive snaps; chewing bites are more likely to inject venom.

### What do boomslangs eat?

Mainly chameleons, lizards, and birds in the canopy.

### Are boomslangs aggressive?

Generally shy; most bites occur when snakes are handled or grabbed.

### Where do boomslangs live?

Trees in savanna and woodland across much of sub-Saharan Africa. Native range summary: Savanna and woodland trees across much of sub-Saharan Africa.

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