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Science & Nature • Reptile

Black Mamba

The black mamba is a highly venomous snake species, scientifically known as Dendroaspis polylepis, native to parts of sub-Saharan Africa.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The black mamba is a highly venomous snake species, scientifically known as Dendroaspis polylepis, native to parts of sub-Saharan Africa. It is the longest venomous snake in Africa and is known for its speed, potent venom, and defensive threat display showing the dark interior of its mouth.

Description

Black mambas are slender, fast-moving snakes with a typically olive to grey-brown body and a light underside. Their common name comes from the dark blue-black mouth lining revealed in threat displays.

Range and habitat

The species occurs in parts of sub-Saharan Africa, especially in eastern and southern regions. It lives in savannas, rocky hills, woodland, and similar terrestrial habitats.

Behaviour and venom

Black mambas are known for rapid movement, alert defensive behaviour, and repeated striking when cornered. Their venom is strongly neurotoxic and can cause severe neurological and respiratory symptoms.

Conservation status

Despite its fearsome reputation, the black mamba is not considered globally threatened. Available summaries describe its conservation status as least concern with a stable population trend.

Key facts

  • The black mamba is Africa’s longest venomous snake, with adults reaching up to about 4.3 m (14 ft).
  • Its body is usually olive, grey, brown, or tan; the name refers to the black interior of the mouth.
  • It is among the fastest snakes, with reported speeds of up to about 20 km/h (12.5 mph) over short distances.
  • Its venom is highly toxic and primarily neurotoxic, affecting the nervous system and breathing.
  • The species is listed as least concern on the IUCN Red List and is described as having a stable population trend.
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Canadian context

The black mamba is relevant to Canadian readers mainly through wildlife education, zoo collections, medical toxicology, and public-interest coverage of dangerous animals; it is not native to Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Is the black mamba actually black?
No. The body is usually olive, grey, brown, or tan. The name refers to the dark interior of its mouth.
How large can a black mamba grow?
It can reach about 4.3 m (14 ft) in length, making it Africa’s longest venomous snake.
Where does the black mamba live?
It lives in parts of sub-Saharan Africa, including savannas, rocky hills, and woodland habitats.
How dangerous is its venom?
Its venom is highly toxic and neurotoxic, and untreated bites can be fatal.
Is the black mamba endangered?
No. It is listed as least concern, and available sources describe its population trend as stable.

References

  1. National Geographic — https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/reptiles/facts/black-mamba
    Supports: Scientific name, native range, size, speed, habitat, mouth coloration, conservation status
  2. Kruger National Park / Kruger Park Times — https://www.krugerpark.co.za/krugerpark-times-17-facts-about-the-black-mamba.html
    Supports: Mouth coloration, habitat, length, venom effects, bite severity
  3. Saint Louis Zoo — https://www.stlzoo.org/animals/reptiles/snakes/black-mamba
    Supports: Family, habitat, name origin, size, speed, venomous nature
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_mamba
    Supports: Scientific name, family, description, sub-Saharan Africa range, typical length, formal description date