Eastern green mamba
Dendroaspis angusticeps
The eastern green mamba , also known as the common mamba, East African green mamba, green mamba, or white-mouthed mamba, is a large, tree-dwelling, highly venomous snake species of the mamba genus ''Dendroaspis''. This species of mamba was first described by a Scottish surgeon and zoologist in 1849. This snake mostly inhabits the coastal regions of southern East Africa. Adult females average approximately 2.0 metres in length, and males are slightly smaller. Eastern green mambas prey on birds, eggs, bats, and rodents such as mice, rats, and gerbils. They are shy and elusive snakes which are rarely seen, making them somewhat unusual among mambas, and elapids in general. This elusiveness is usually attributed to the species' green colouration which blends with its environment, and its arboreal lifestyle. However, eastern green mambas have also been observed to use "sit-and-wait" or ambush predation like many vipers, unlike the active foraging style typical of other elapids, which may be a factor in the rarity of sightings.
Like other species of mamba, the eastern green mamba is highly venomous; one bite can contain enough venom to kill several humans. The venom acts on the nerves, heart, and muscles, and spreads quickly through tissue. Bites rapidly progress to life-threatening symptoms characteristic of mamba bites, which include swelling of the bite area, dizziness, nausea, difficulty breathing and swallowing, irregular heartbeat, convulsions, and eventual respiratory paralysis. A neurotoxin common to all species within the genus ''Dendroaspis'' is the most rapid-acting snake venom toxin known, so although this species is not aggressive and is not a major cause of snakebite incidents in Africa, the mortality rate associated with eastern green mamba bites is high. Reports of death in as little as 30 minutes have been recorded for this species.
Like other species of mamba, the eastern green mamba is highly venomous; one bite can contain enough venom to kill several humans. The venom acts on the nerves, heart, and muscles, and spreads quickly through tissue. Bites rapidly progress to life-threatening symptoms characteristic of mamba bites, which include swelling of the bite area, dizziness, nausea, difficulty breathing and swallowing, irregular heartbeat, convulsions, and eventual respiratory paralysis. A neurotoxin common to all species within the genus ''Dendroaspis'' is the most rapid-acting snake venom toxin known, so although this species is not aggressive and is not a major cause of snakebite incidents in Africa, the mortality rate associated with eastern green mamba bites is high. Reports of death in as little as 30 minutes have been recorded for this species.