Environment
Fact-checked

At AllThingsNature, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Is a Green Mamba?

Lori Kilchermann
Lori Kilchermann

A green mamba is a bright, velvety-green slender snake with diamond patterned skin that lives primarily in trees. It has a narrow head, rounded eyes, and grows between 5 and 7 feet (1.5 to 2.1 m) long. The reptile is commonly found in forests throughout most of Africa. The green mamba's lifespan is 15 to 25 years in the wild, and it can travel at speeds up to 7 mph (11.3 km).

Living among the leaves of trees in the forest and savannas in Africa, the green mamba prefers the dense vegetation along the South African coastal areas. It also prefers living in bamboo thickets, as well as in mango, tea and coconut plantations. Along with small mammals, reptiles and birds, the snake also enjoys eating bird's eggs.

A green mamba is a green slender snake commonly found in forests throughout most of Africa.
A green mamba is a green slender snake commonly found in forests throughout most of Africa.

Male green mambas fight each other for mating rights. This involves wrestling each other to the ground, but they typically do not bite each other. The green mamba lays eggs rather than giving live birth. In the summer, the females lay between six and 17 eggs in a nest made among decaying wood and vegetation on the forest floor. The hatchlings are born venomous in the late summer, are blue-green in color and measure 13 to 18 inches (33 to 46 cm) long.

A green mamba will usually only bite if repeatedly provoked.
A green mamba will usually only bite if repeatedly provoked.

The mamba is often mistaken for the similar-looking green Boornslang snake, which is harmless. The main difference between the two is that the mamba's belly is green, and the Boornslang's belly is white or yellow. Also, the mamba's eye is smaller than the Boornslang's.

While a green mamba will come to the ground to hunt prey, sun bathe or lay eggs, it is primarily an arboreal species. The green mamba is a diurnal, non-aggressive snake not known for attacking humans. It will typically try to escape danger rather than stay and fight or bite and will usually only bite if repeatedly provoked or threatened. When it is ready to bite, the green mamba will flare up and flatten out its neck into a narrow hood.

A green mamba's venom contains neurotoxins. Although the dose of venom from a bite is not typically substantial because the snake is smaller in size when compared to its relative, the black mamba, people bitten by a green mamba should seek immediate medical treatment, as the bite is potentially fatal. Standard snakebite care should be taken until professional medical help is administered, including keeping the victim calm and still and keeping the bitten area below the heart level, if possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Green Mamba?

The Green Mamba is a highly venomous snake species belonging to the Elapidae family. There are two main types: the Eastern Green Mamba and the Western Green Mamba. They are known for their striking green coloration, which provides excellent camouflage in their natural habitats, typically forests and woodlands in sub-Saharan Africa.

How venomous is a Green Mamba?

Green Mambas are extremely venomous, with a potent neurotoxic venom that can cause symptoms within minutes. Without prompt and appropriate antivenom treatment, a bite can be fatal. However, these snakes are generally shy and will avoid humans when possible, reducing the number of incidents involving them.

Where can Green Mambas be found in the wild?

Green Mambas are native to parts of sub-Saharan Africa. The Eastern Green Mamba is typically found along the East African coast, from Kenya to Eastern Cape in South Africa, while the Western Green Mamba is distributed in West Africa, from Gambia to Benin. They inhabit coastal forests, woodlands, and savannas.

What do Green Mambas eat?

Green Mambas are carnivorous and primarily feed on birds and small mammals. They are arboreal hunters, meaning they spend most of their time in trees, using their agility and speed to catch prey unawares. Their diet can also include eggs and other reptiles, depending on availability.

How do Green Mambas reproduce?

Green Mambas are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs. Mating typically occurs in the spring, and after a gestation period, the female will lay a clutch of 10-15 eggs. The eggs are usually hidden in a hollow tree or a similar secluded location. The hatchlings are independent from birth and receive no parental care.

Are Green Mambas endangered?

As of my knowledge cutoff in 2023, Green Mambas are not classified as endangered. They are listed as species of 'Least Concern' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, they face threats from habitat destruction and are sometimes killed due to fear of their venomous nature.

Discussion Comments

anon308095

Actually, the Boomslang is just as dangerous!

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • A green mamba is a green slender snake commonly found in forests throughout most of Africa.
      By: Ruslan Olinchuk
      A green mamba is a green slender snake commonly found in forests throughout most of Africa.
    • A green mamba will usually only bite if repeatedly provoked.
      By: Remus Moise
      A green mamba will usually only bite if repeatedly provoked.