The green mamba is found only along a narrow coastal strip, and are becoming increasingly threatened as the commercial and agricultural development of the Natal coast destroys the last vestiges of coastal bush.
Green Mambas are often confused with other green snakes, and therefore generally believed to be widespread in KZN. However, they are also found in the north of the subregion, much further inland: for example, along the eastern border of Zimbabwe and right across Mozambique.
Unlike the black mamba, the green mamba is entirely arboreal. As with the black mamba, it is elusive, but less excitable, and instances of snakebite are rarer. While its neurotoxic venom is less toxic, this difference is academic as far as the human victim is concerned: the bite should be taken seriously and the relevant treatment given immediately.
The female lays her eggs either in a tree hollow or on the ground, among plant debris. The babies hatch in about two and a half months and are olive green, but turn grass green within days. During mating season one might come across two males thrashing each other with their bodies and hurling their coils with such force that a slapping sound is created. This is part of ritualised fighting, known as 'combat dancing'.
The green mamba is found in the forests and thickly bushed areas of eastern Zimbabwe; and central Mozambique; into the lush vegetation of the Pondoland; and KZN coasts.
They can grow to a length of 2,5 m
The Green Mambas colour is bright grass-green above, and yellowish green underneath; the mouth lining is white.
They are very like the green form of the boomslang, and the green snake; the mamba, however, has smooth body scales while the boomslang's are 'keeled' or ridged, and rough to the touch. The mamba's eye is much smaller proportionately to that of the boomslang.
Their preferred habitat is tropical or subtropical forest and coastal bush.
Best places to see the Green Mamba in Southern Africa:
• Kruger National Park
 Snakes of Southern Africa >> Printable Snake List <<
South African Snakes >> Printable Snake List <<
Wildlife - Fauna & Flora of Southern Africa
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