Dendroaspis polylepis

(Günther, 1864)

Vernacular names
English : Black mamba
French : Mamba noir

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Family : Elapidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach up to 3 meters in length, maybe even more. Unmistakable with its squarish snout and long head. Coloration is uniform brown-grey olive on back and flanks and cream on belly. Inside of mouth is inky black.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in most of Africa, from Senegal and Mali to Burkina Faso, in Cameroon, Central African Republic and from Eritrea to Namibia and Mozambique.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species is still common in parts of its range. Local declines may occur due to persecution and habitat destruction.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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