Eastern green mamba

Last updated

Eastern green mamba
Green mamba.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Elapidae
Genus: Dendroaspis
Species:
D. angusticeps
Binomial name
Dendroaspis angusticeps
(A. Smith, 1849) [2]
Range of the Eastern Green Mamba.png
  geographic range
Synonyms [3]
List
  • Naja angusticeps
    — Smith, 1849
  • Naja angusticeps
    — Duméril & Bibron, 1854
  • Dendraphis angusticeps
    — Günther, 1858
  • Dendrospis [sic] angusticeps
    — Boulenger, 1897
  • Dendroaspis sjöstedti
    — Lönnberg, 1910
  • Dendraspis [sic] angusticeps
    — Sternfeld, 1910
  • Dendroaspis angusticeps
    — Razetti & Msuya, 2002

The eastern green mamba (Dendroaspis angusticeps) is a highly venomous snake species of the mamba genus Dendroaspis native to the coastal regions of southern East Africa. Described by Scottish surgeon and zoologist Andrew Smith in 1849, it has a slender build with a bright green back and green-yellow ventral scales. Adult females average around 2 metres (6 ft 7 in) in length, and males are slightly smaller.

Contents

In spite of common urban legends and misconceptions labeling the eastern green mamba an aggressive, fast-moving “people-chaser”, it is in fact a shy and elusive species that remains hidden in the trees, and is rarely seen. This seclusion is usually attributed to its arboreal habitat and green colouration, which acts as effective camouflage in its natural environment. Even with its deadly venom, the green mamba has to protect itself from predators, including birds of prey and other snakes, such as cobras. It has been observed engaging in ambush predation, a trait seen among many Viperidae species, contrary to the active hunting style typical of other Elapidae snakes. It preys on arboreal and winged animals, such as birds and their chicks and eggs, bats, and arboreal rodents such as mice, rats, and gerbils.

Eastern green mamba venom consists of both neurotoxins and cardiotoxins. Symptoms of envenomation include swelling of the immediate bite-wound area, dizziness, vertigo and nausea, accompanied by dehydration, labored breathing and difficult swallowing. This eventually will develop into arrythmia and convulsions—all progressing to respiratory paralysis, which results in a fatal lack of oxygen to the brain. Bites that are severe or not immediately treated on-site can quickly prove deadly.

Taxonomy

The eastern green mamba was first described as Naja angusticeps by Andrew Smith, a Scottish surgeon and zoologist, in 1849, who reported it from Natal and east to Maputo Bay. [4] The specific name angusticeps is derived from the Latin word angustus, "narrow", [5] and ceps, an abbreviated form of caput ("head") when used in a compound word. [6] The German-British zoologist Albert Günther described Dendroaspis intermedius from the Zambezi River in northern Mozambique in 1865. [7] This was subsequently synonymised with D. angusticeps. [8]

In 1896, the Belgian-British zoologist George Albert Boulenger combined the species Dendroaspis angusticeps with the black mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis), [9] a lumping diagnosis that remained in force until 1946, when the South African herpetologist Vivian FitzSimons published a paper after examining approximately 50 eastern green mamba and 85 black mamba specimens. He concluded that the differences in build, scalation, colouration and behaviour warranted splitting them into separate species. [10] [11] The British biologist Arthur Loveridge augmented FitzSimons' work with material from outside South Africa, noting some overlap in scalation but supporting the separation. [12] A 2016 genetic analysis showed the eastern green and black mambas are each others' closest relatives, [13] their common ancestor diverging from a lineage that gave rise to Jameson's mamba (Dendroaspis jamesoni) and the western green mamba (Dendroaspis viridis), as shown in the cladogram below. [14]

Ophiophagus hannah

Dendroaspis j. jamesoni

Dendroaspis j. kaimosae

Dendroaspis viridis

Dendroaspis angusticeps

Dendroaspis polylepis

As well as being called the eastern green mamba, the species is also frequently known as the common green mamba, East African green mamba, white-mouthed mamba, or simply the green mamba. [15]

Description

An eastern green mamba Eastern green mamba P9240107.JPG
An eastern green mamba

The eastern green mamba is a large snake, with a slightly compressed and very slender body with a medium to long tapering tail. Adult males average around 1.8 metres (5 ft 11 in) in total length, while females average 2.0 metres (6 ft 7 in). This species rarely exceeds lengths of 2.5 metres (8 ft 2 in). In general, the total length is 4–4.3 times the length of the tail. [16] [17] [18] The adult eastern green mamba has bright green upperparts—occasionally with isolated yellow scales—and a pale yellow-green belly. Sometimes they are duller-coloured before moulting. Juveniles are blue-green, becoming bright green when they are around 75 centimetres (2 ft 6 in) long. [17] The coffin-shaped head is long and slender, with a prominent canthus which is slightly demarcated from the neck. [18] When threatened or otherwise aroused, the eastern green mamba is capable of flattening its neck area into a slight hood. [19] The medium-sized eyes have round pupils, [18] the borders of which have a narrow golden or ochre edge; the irises are olive green, becoming bright green posteriorly. The inside of the mouth may be white or bluish-white. [16]

Other green snakes are often called "green mambas" in Southern Africa, including green forms of the boomslang (Dispholidus typus), which can be distinguished by their larger eyes and shorter heads. They are also venomous. Green bushsnakes of the genus Philothamnus [17] are also commonly confused with smaller Eastern green mambas.

Scalation

The number and pattern of scales on a snake's body are a key element of identification to species level. [20] The eastern green mamba has between 17 and 21 rows of dorsal scales at midbody, 201 to 232 ventral scales, 99 to 126 divided subcaudal scales, and a divided anal scale. [lower-alpha 1] Its mouth is lined with 7–9 supralabial scales above, the fourth one located under the eye, and 9–11 sublabial scales below. Its eyes have three preocular and 3–5 postocular scales. [17]

Distribution and habitat

The eastern green mamba is native to regions near the coastlines of Southern Africa and East Africa. Its range extends from Kenya south through Tanzania, Malawi, eastern Zimbabwe and parts of Zambia; it can also be found in Zanzibar and northern Mozambique. [15] [16] An isolated and genetically distinct population is found in South Africa from the extreme northeastern part of Eastern Cape along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline and into southern Mozambique. [8]

An elusive species, it is primarily arboreal (living in trees) and usually well camouflaged in foliage. Some herpetologists believe its habitat is limited to tropical rainforests in coastal lowlands. [22] Other experts believe it can also be found in coastal bush, and dune and montane forest. [23] Unlike its close relative the black mamba, the eastern green mamba is rarely found in open terrain and prefers relatively dense, well-shaded vegetation. As well as wild forest habitats, it is also commonly found in thickets and farm trees such as citrus, mango, coconut, and cashew. In coastal East Africa, it is known to enter houses and may even shelter in thatched-roof dwellings. Specimens have been found at elevations up to 1,500 metres (4,900 ft) above sea level. [18]

Conservation status

The species' conservation status has not been assessed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It is fairly common throughout its range, and populations are believed to be stable. Large concentrations of two to three individuals per hectare have been documented in coastal Kenya and southern Tanzania, and in one instance a group of five were seen in a single tree. Although populations are stable overall, habitat destruction and deforestation may pose a threat. [18] In South Africa, it is rated as "vulnerable" as its habitat had become highly fragmented by coastal housing development. [8]

Behaviour and ecology

A green mamba at a German serpentarium next to shed skin Eastern Green Mamba.jpg
A green mamba at a German serpentarium next to shed skin

A diurnal species, the eastern green mamba is active by day and sleeps at night coiled up in foliage or rarely a hollow within the trunk or branch. [17] [15] An agile snake and an adept climber, it is not commonly found on the ground though may come down to bask in the morning sun (thermoregulation). [18] A 27-day study of the movement patterns of two adults found their activity area to be relatively small, comparable to other predators who ambush prey rather than hunt (in contrast to most elapid species, including other mambas, who tend to hunt and forage). The study's preliminary evidence shed light on the species' feeding methods, suggesting it may be primarily an ambush predator due to its sit-and-wait behaviour. This evidence does not preclude active foraging, however; a specimen was also observed systematically hunting a sleeping bat. [24]

There is no evidence that the eastern green mamba migrates. Thought to be relatively sedentary, it can remain in the same location for days, apparently moving most commonly to find food or mates. On average, individuals move only about 5.4 metres (18 ft) per day. [22] [24] They generally avoid contact with people and other predators, attacking them only if they feel threatened. [15]

Reproduction and lifespan

The eastern green mamba is solitary except during breeding season. Gravid females tend to be sedentary, but males actively seek and court prospective mates during the rainy season between April and June. Males have been seen engaging in agonistic behaviour; they may fight each other over mating opportunities, or possibly to establish a dominance hierarchy. Typically, one male initiates a fight by moving on top of the other's body and tongue-flicking, after which the two entwine and push, attempt to pin the other's head to the ground. Male combat can last for several hours, but is less aggressive than that commonly seen in the black mamba; combatants do not bite each other. [22]

Males locate females by following a scent trail. The male courts the female by aligning his body along the female's while rapidly tongue-flicking. If the female is receptive to mating, she lifts her tail; cloacal juxtaposition follows. Courtship and mating take place in trees, after which the female can lay 4–17 eggs (10–15 on average), occurring in October and November. [22] The eggs are small and elongated, usually 47–58 x 25–28 mm, [16] [17] and usually laid in leaf litter in hollow trees. [17] The incubation period is around three months. [18] When the young emerge, they are approximately 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 in) [17] in the wild, and 44 cm (17 in) in captivity. [22] They usually reach adult colouration at 75 cm (30 in). [16] [17] Hatchlings tend to grow to 50 to 80 cm (20 to 31 in) in their first year. As they age, their growth rates decrease but never completely stop. [22]

The oldest recorded eastern green mamba was a captive specimen that lived 18.8 years. [25] Another captive specimen lived 14 years. [23]

Diet

The eastern green mamba preys primarily on birds and their eggs, and small mammals including bats. It is also believed to eat arboreal lizards. [16] [17] It uses a sit-and-wait strategy, though one specimen was recorded actively hunting sleeping bats. [24] The species is also known to raid the nests of young birds. [26] Sit-and-wait tactics may be successful with highly mobile prey, such as adult birds or rodents. Documented prey include the sombre greenbul, which occur in dense areas of natural and cultivated vegetation along Kenya's coastline. Ionides and Pitman (1965) reported a large bushveld gerbil in the stomach of a green mamba in Tanzania. Although the bushveld gerbil does not occur in Kenya, green mambas prey on the seven species of gerbil that inhabit parts of its range. [24]

Predators

The eastern green mamba has few natural predators. Humans, mongooses, snake eagles and genets commonly prey on it, and hornbills and other snakes prey on juveniles. [24]

Venom

The eastern green mamba has a rapid-acting venom. Eastern Green Mamba 02.jpg
The eastern green mamba has a rapid-acting venom.

The eastern green mamba has the least toxic venom of the three green mamba species, but it is still highly venomous. [27] Although the most commonly encountered green mamba, it generally avoids people. The peak period for bites is the species' breeding season from September to February, during which they are most irritable. [28] A survey in southern Africa from 1957–1979 recorded 2,553 venomous snakebites, 17 of which were confirmed as eastern green mambas. Of these 17, 10 had symptoms of systemic envenomation, though no victims died. [29] The snake tends to bite repeatedly, [28] and one bite can contain 60–95 mg of venom by dry weight. [30] The median lethal dose (LD50) in mice is 1.3 mg/kg [18] through the subcutaneous route, and 0.45 mg/kg through the IV route. [31] The average dose able to kill a human is about 18–20 mg. [32]

Symptoms of envenomation by this species include pain and swelling of the bite site, which can progress to local necrosis or gangrene. [33] Systemic effects include dizziness and nausea, difficulty breathing and swallowing, irregular heartbeat, and convulsions. [18] Neurotoxic symptoms such as paralysis may be mild or absent. [33]

In 2015, the proteome (complete protein profile) of eastern green mamba venom was assessed and published, revealing 42 distinct proteins and the nucleoside adenosine. The predominant agents are those of the three-finger toxin family, including aminergic toxins, which act on muscarinic and adrenergic receptors, and fasciculins, [34] which are anticholinesterase inhibitors that cause muscle fasciculation. [28] Another prominent component is a group of proteins known as dendrotoxins; although structurally homologous to Kunitz-type protease inhibitors, they block voltage-dependent potassium channels, stimulating the release of acetylcholine and causing an excitatory effect. [34] Another Kunitz-type protein present is calcicludine, which blocks high-voltage-activated calcium channels. [35] Individually, most of these components do not exhibit potent toxicity in vitro, [34] but are thought to have a synergistic effect in nature. [34]

Similarly to the venom of most other mambas, the eastern green mamba's contains predominantly three-finger toxin agents. The exception is the black mamba, whose venom lacks the potent alpha-neurotoxin as well. It is thought this may reflect the species' preferred prey—small mammals for the mainly land-dwelling black mamba, versus birds for the other predominantly arboreal mambas. Unlike that of many snake species, the venom of mambas has little phospholipase A2. [14]

Treatment

Standard first aid treatment for any bite from a suspectedly venomous snake is the application of a pressure bandage, minimisation of the victim's movement, and rapid conveyance to a hospital or clinic. Due to the neurotoxic nature of green mamba venom, an arterial tourniquet may be beneficial. [36] Tetanus toxoid is sometimes administered, though the main treatment is the administration of the appropriate antivenom. [37] A polyvalent antivenom produced by the South African Institute for Medical Research is used to treat eastern green mamba bites. [33]

Notes

  1. ↑ A divided scale is one split down the midline into two scales. [21]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Antivenom</span> Medical treatment for venomous bites and stings

Antivenom, also known as antivenin, venom antiserum, and antivenom immunoglobulin, is a specific treatment for envenomation. It is composed of antibodies and used to treat certain venomous bites and stings. Antivenoms are recommended only if there is significant toxicity or a high risk of toxicity. The specific antivenom needed depends on the species involved. It is given by injection.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Elapidae</span> Family of venomous snakes

Elapidae is a family of snakes characterized by their permanently erect fangs at the front of the mouth. Most elapids are venomous, with the exception of the genus Emydocephalus. Many members of this family exhibit a threat display of rearing upwards while spreading out a neck flap. Elapids are endemic to tropical and subtropical regions around the world, with terrestrial forms in Asia, Australia, Africa, and the Americas and marine forms in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Members of the family have a wide range of sizes, from the 18 cm (7.1 in) white-lipped snake to the 5.85 m king cobra. Most species have neurotoxic venom that is channeled by their hollow fangs, and some may contain other toxic components in various proportions. The family includes 55 genera with around 360 species and over 170 subspecies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mamba</span> Genus of venomous snakes

Mambas are fast-moving, highly venomous snakes of the genus Dendroaspis in the family Elapidae. Four extant species are recognised currently; three of those four species are essentially arboreal and green in colour, whereas the black mamba, Dendroaspis polylepis, is largely terrestrial and generally brown or grey in colour. All are native to various regions in sub-Saharan Africa and all are feared throughout their ranges, especially the black mamba. In Africa there are many legends and stories about mambas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Snakebite</span> Injury caused by bite from snakes

A snakebite is an injury caused by the bite of a snake, especially a venomous snake. A common sign of a bite from a venomous snake is the presence of two puncture wounds from the animal's fangs. Sometimes venom injection from the bite may occur. This may result in redness, swelling, and severe pain at the area, which may take up to an hour to appear. Vomiting, blurred vision, tingling of the limbs, and sweating may result. Most bites are on the hands, arms, or legs. Fear following a bite is common with symptoms of a racing heart and feeling faint. The venom may cause bleeding, kidney failure, a severe allergic reaction, tissue death around the bite, or breathing problems. Bites may result in the loss of a limb or other chronic problems or even death.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Snake venom</span> Highly modified saliva containing zootoxins

Snake venom is a highly toxic saliva containing zootoxins that facilitates in the immobilization and digestion of prey. This also provides defense against threats. Snake venom is injected by unique fangs during a bite, whereas some species are also able to spit venom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boomslang</span> Species of snakes of genus Dispholidus in the family Colubridae

The boomslang is a highly venomous snake in the family Colubridae. The species is native to Sub-Saharan Africa.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Inland taipan</span> Highly venomous snake native to Australia

The inland taipan, also commonly known as the western taipan, small-scaled snake, or fierce snake, is a species of extremely venomous snake in the family Elapidae. The species is endemic to semiarid regions of central east Australia. Aboriginal Australians living in those regions named the snake dandarabilla. It was formally described by Frederick McCoy in 1879 and then by William John Macleay in 1882, but for the next 90 years, it was a mystery to the scientific community; no further specimens were found, and virtually nothing was added to the knowledge of this species until its rediscovery in 1972.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eastern brown snake</span> Highly venomous snake native to Australia

The eastern brown snake, often referred to as the common brown snake, is a species of extremely venomous snake in the family Elapidae. The species is native to eastern and central Australia and southern New Guinea. It was first described by André Marie Constant Duméril, Gabriel Bibron, and Auguste Duméril in 1854. The adult eastern brown snake has a slender build and can grow to 2 m (7 ft) in length. The colour of its surface ranges from pale brown to black, while its underside is pale cream-yellow, often with orange or grey splotches. The eastern brown snake is found in most habitats except dense forests, often in farmland and on the outskirts of urban areas, as such places are populated by its main prey, the house mouse. The species is oviparous. The International Union for Conservation of Nature classifies the snake as a least-concern species, though its status in New Guinea is unclear.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Black mamba</span> Species of venomous snake

The black mamba is a species of highly venomous snake belonging to the family Elapidae. It is native to parts of sub-Saharan Africa. First formally described by Albert Günther in 1864, it is the second-longest venomous snake after the king cobra; mature specimens generally exceed 2 m and commonly grow to 3 m (9.8 ft). Specimens of 4.3 to 4.5 m have been reported. Its skin colour varies from grey to dark brown. Juvenile black mambas tend to be paler than adults and darken with age. Despite the common name, the skin of a black mamba is not black, but rather describes the inside of its mouth, which it displays when feeling threatened.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Indian cobra</span> Species of snake

The Indian cobra, also known commonly as the spectacled cobra, Asian cobra, or binocellate cobra, is a species of cobra, a venomous snake in the family Elapidae. The species is native to the Indian subcontinent, and is a member of the "big four" species that are responsible for the most snakebite cases in India.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Caspian cobra</span> Species of snake

The Caspian cobra, also called the Central Asian cobra, ladle snake, Oxus cobra, or Russian cobra, is a species of highly venomous snake in the family Elapidae. The species is endemic to Central Asia. Described by Karl Eichwald in 1831, it was for many years considered a subspecies of the Indian cobra until genetic analysis revealed it to be a distinct species.

<i>Atheris</i> Genus of venomous vipers of tropical Africa

Atheris is a genus of vipers known as bush vipers. They are found only in tropical subsaharan Africa and many species have isolated and fragmented distributions due to their confinement to rain forests. Like all other vipers, they are venomous. In an example of convergent evolution, they show many similarities to the arboreal pit vipers of Asia and South America. Seventeen species are currently recognized.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Western green mamba</span> Species of snake

The western green mamba is a long, thin, and highly venomous snake species of the mamba genus, Dendroaspis. This species was first described in 1844 by American herpetologist Edward Hallowell. The western green mamba is a fairly large and predominantly arboreal species, capable of navigating through trees swiftly and gracefully. It will also descend to ground level to pursue prey such as rodents and other small mammals.

<i>Naja</i> Genus of snakes

Naja is a genus of venomous elapid snakes commonly known as cobras. Members of the genus Naja are the most widespread and the most widely recognized as "true" cobras. Various species occur in regions throughout Africa, Southwest Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. Several other elapid species are also called "cobras", such as the king cobra and the rinkhals, but neither is a true cobra, in that they do not belong to the genus Naja, but instead each belong to monotypic genera Hemachatus and Ophiophagus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">King brown snake</span> Highly venomous snake native to Australia

The king brown snake is a species of highly venomous snake of the family Elapidae, native to northern, western, and Central Australia. Despite its common name, it is a member of the genus Pseudechis and only distantly related to true brown snakes. Its alternative common name is the mulga snake, although it lives in many habitats apart from mulga. First described by English zoologist John Edward Gray in 1842, it is a robust snake up to 3.3 m (11 ft) long. It is variable in appearance, with individuals from northern Australia having tan upper parts, while those from southern Australia are dark brown to blackish. Sometimes, it is seen in a reddish-green texture. The dorsal scales are two-toned, sometimes giving the snake a patterned appearance. Its underside is cream or white, often with orange splotches. The species is oviparous. The snake is considered to be a least-concern species according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, though may have declined with the spread of the cane toad.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Coastal taipan</span> Venomous snake species native to Australia

The coastal taipan, or common taipan, is a species of extremely venomous snake in the family Elapidae. Described by Wilhelm Peters in 1867, the species is native to the coastal regions of northern and eastern Australia and the island of New Guinea. The second-longest venomous snake in Australia, the coastal taipan averages around 2.0 m (6.6 ft) long, with the longest specimens reaching 2.9 m (9.5 ft) in length. It has light olive or reddish-brown upperparts, with paler underparts. The snake is considered to be a least-concern species according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jameson's mamba</span> Species of snake

Jameson's mamba is a species of highly venomous snake native to equatorial Africa. A member of the mamba genus, Dendroaspis, it is slender with dull green upper parts and cream underparts and generally ranges from 1.5 to 2.2 m in length. Described by Scottish naturalist Thomas Traill in 1843, it has two recognised subspecies: the nominate subspecies from central and west sub-Saharan Africa and the eastern black-tailed subspecies from eastern sub-Saharan Africa, mainly western Kenya.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Epidemiology of snakebites</span>

Most snakebites are caused by non-venomous snakes. Of the roughly 3,700 known species of snake found worldwide, only 15% are considered dangerous to humans. Snakes are found on every continent except Antarctica. There are two major families of venomous snakes, Elapidae and Viperidae. 325 species in 61 genera are recognized in the family Elapidae and 224 species in 22 genera are recognized in the family Viperidae, In addition, the most diverse and widely distributed snake family, the colubrids, has approximately 700 venomous species, but only five genera—boomslangs, twig snakes, keelback snakes, green snakes, and slender snakes—have caused human fatalities.

<i>Aspidelaps lubricus</i> Species of snake

Aspidelaps lubricus, commonly known as the Cape coral snake, Cape coral cobra or coral shield cobra, is a species of venomous snake in the family Elapidae. The species is endemic to southern Africa.

References

  1. ↑ Wagner, P.; Branch, W.R.; Safari, I.; Chenga, J. (2021). "Dendroaspis angusticeps". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2021: e.T13265770A13265778. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-2.RLTS.T13265770A13265778.en . Retrieved 18 September 2021.
  2. ↑ "Dendroaspis angusticeps". Integrated Taxonomic Information System . Retrieved 30 October 2012.
  3. ↑ Uetz, Peter; Hallermann, Jakob. "Dendroaspis angusticeps (SMITH, 1849)". The Reptile Database. Reptarium association. Retrieved 17 February 2012.
  4. ↑ Smith, Andrew (1849). Illustrations of the Zoology of South Africa, Reptilia. Vol. 4. London: Smith, Elder and Co. Plate 70.
  5. ↑ de Vaan, Michiel (2018) [2008]. Etymological Dictionary of Latin and the other Italic Languages. Boston: Leiden. p. 42. ISBN   978-90-04-16797-1.
  6. ↑ Hall, Whitmore (1861). The principal roots and derivatives of the Latin language, with a display of their incorporation into English. London: Longman, Green, Longman & Roberts. p. 153.
  7. ↑ Günther, Albert (1865). "Fourth account of new species of snakes in the collection of the British Museum". Annals and Magazine of Natural History. 3rd series. 15 (86): 89–98 [98]. doi:10.1080/00222936508681770.
  8. 1 2 3 Bates, Michael F.; Branch, William R.; Bauer, Aaron M.; Burger, Marius; Marais, Johan; Alexander, Graham; de Villiers, Marienne S. (2014). Atlas and Red List of the Reptiles of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Pretoria: South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. p. 397. ISBN   978-1-919976-96-9.
  9. ↑ Boulenger, George Albert (1896). Catalogue of the snakes in the British Museum (Natural History). Printed by order of the Trustees British Museum (Natural History). Department of Zoology. p. 437.
  10. ↑ FitzSimons, V. (1946). "Notes on some south African snakes, including a description of a new subspecies of Xenocalamus". Annals of the Transvaal Museum. 20: 379–393 [392–393].
  11. ↑ Haagner, G. V.; Morgan, D. R. (1993). "The maintenance and propagation of the Black mamba Dendroaspis polylepis at the Manyeleti Reptile Centre, Eastern Transvaal". International Zoo Yearbook. 32 (1): 191–196. doi:10.1111/j.1748-1090.1993.tb03534.x.
  12. ↑ Loveridge, Arthur (1950). "The green and black mambas of East Africa". Journal of the East Africa Natural History Society. 19 (5): 251–252.
  13. ↑ Figueroa, A.; McKelvy, A. D.; Grismer, L. L.; Bell, C. D.; Lailvaux, S. P. (2016). "A species-level phylogeny of extant snakes with description of a new colubrid subfamily and genus". PLOS ONE. 11 (9): e0161070. Bibcode:2016PLoSO..1161070F. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0161070 . PMC   5014348 . PMID   27603205.
  14. 1 2 Ainsworth, Stuart; Petras, Daniel; Engmark, Mikael; Süssmuth, Roderich D.; Whiteley, Gareth; Albulescu, Laura-Oana; Kazandjian, Taline D.; Wagstaff, Simon C.; Rowley, Paul; Wüster, Wolfgang; Dorrestein, Pieter C.; Arias, Ana Silvia; Gutiérrez, José M.; Harrison, Robert A.; Casewell, Nicholas R.; Calvete, Juan J. (2018). "The medical threat of mamba envenoming in sub-Saharan Africa revealed by genus-wide analysis of venom composition, toxicity and antivenomics profiling of available antivenoms". Journal of Proteomics . 172: 173–189 [178]. doi:10.1016/j.jprot.2017.08.016. hdl: 10261/279110 . PMID   28843532. S2CID   217018550.
  15. 1 2 3 4 "Dendroaspis angusticeps". WCH Clinical Toxinology Resource. University of Adelaide. Retrieved 26 April 2014.
  16. 1 2 3 4 5 6 FitzSimons, Vivian F. M. (1970). A Field Guide to the Snakes of Southern Africa. HarperCollins. pp. 169–170. ISBN   978-0-00-212146-0.
  17. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Marais, Jean (2004). A Complete Guide to Snakes of Southern Africa. Cape Town: Random House Struik Publishers. pp. 98–99. ISBN   978-1-8-6872-932-6.
  18. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Spawls, S.; Branch, B. (1995). The Dangerous Snakes of Africa. London: Blandford Press. pp. 46–47. ISBN   978-0-88359-029-4.
  19. ↑ Pitman, Charles R.S. (1965). "Hood-spreading by the mambas of the African genus Dendroaspis Schlegel". Journal of East African Natural History. 25 (2): 110–115.
  20. ↑ Hutchinson, Mark; Williams, Ian (2018). "Key to the Snakes of South Australia" (PDF). South Australian Museum. Government of South Australia. Retrieved 8 February 2019.
  21. ↑ Macdonald, Stewart. "snake scale count search". Australian Reptile Online Database. Retrieved 3 May 2019.
  22. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Haagner, G. V.; Morgan, D. R. (January 1989). "The captive propagation of the Eastern green mamba Dendroaspis angusticeps". International Zoo Yearbook. 28 (1): 195–199. doi:10.1111/j.1748-1090.1989.tb03280.x.
  23. 1 2 Branch, B. (1994) [1988]. Branch's Field Guide Snakes Reptiles Southern Africa. Cape Town: Struik Publishers. p. 95. ISBN   978-1-86825-575-7.
  24. 1 2 3 4 5 Angilletta, Michael J. (1994). "Sedentary behaviors by Green Mambas Dendroaspis angusticeps" (PDF). Herpetological Natural History. 2 (2): 105–111. Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 26 April 2014.
  25. ↑ "AnAge entry for Dendroaspis angusticeps". AnAge:The Animal Ageing and Longevity Database. Human Ageing Genomic Resources. Retrieved 26 April 2014.
  26. ↑ Phelps, T. (1989). Poisonous Snakes. London: Blandford. pp.  272. ISBN   978-0-71-372114-0.
  27. ↑ O'Shea, Mark (2005). Venomous Snakes of the World . New Jersey, US: Princeton University Press. p.  78. ISBN   978-0-691-12436-0.
  28. 1 2 3 Hodgson, Peter S.; Davidson, Terence M. (1996). "Biology and treatment of the mamba snakebite". Wilderness and Environmental Medicine. 7 (2): 133–145 [134–136]. doi: 10.1580/1080-6032(1996)007[0133:BATOTM]2.3.CO;2 . PMID   11990107.
  29. ↑ Christensen, P. A. (1981). "Snakebite and the use of antivenom in southern Africa" (PDF). South African Medical Journal. 59 (26): 934–938. PMID   7244896.
  30. ↑ Minton, Sherman (1974). Venom diseases. Waukesha, Wisconsin: Thomas Press. p. 116. ISBN   978-0-398-03051-3.
  31. ↑ Department of the Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (2013). Venomous Snakes of the World: A Manual for Use by U.S. Amphibious Forces. New York: Skyhorse Publishing. p. 93. ISBN   978-1-62087-623-7.
  32. ↑ Mazza, Giuseppe (2011-04-27). "Dispholidus typus". Monaco Nature Encyclopedia. Retrieved 2022-07-09.
  33. 1 2 3 Müller, G. J.; Modler, H.; Wium, C. A.; Veale, D. J. H.; Marks, C. J. (2012). "Snake bite in southern Africa: diagnosis and management". Continuing Medical Education. 30 (10): 362–381 [362, 380–381].
  34. 1 2 3 4 Lauridsen, Line P.; Laustsen, Andreas H.; Lomonte, Bruno; Gutiérrez, José María (2016). "Toxicovenomics and antivenom profiling of the Eastern green mamba snake ( Dendroaspis angusticeps )" (PDF). Journal of Proteomics. 136: 248–261 [249, 258–260]. doi:10.1016/j.jprot.2016.02.003. PMID   26877184.
  35. ↑ Schweitz, H.; Heurteaux, C.; Bois, P.; Moinier, D.; Romey, G.; Lazdunski, M. (1994). "Calcicludine, a venom peptide of the Kunitz-type protease inhibitor family, is a potent blocker of high-threshold Ca2+ channels with a high affinity for L-type channels in cerebellar granule neurons". Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 91 (3): 878–882. Bibcode:1994PNAS...91..878S. doi: 10.1073/pnas.91.3.878 . PMC   521415 . PMID   8302860.
  36. ↑ Dreyer, S. B.; Dreyer, J. S. (November 2013). "Snake Bite: A review of Current Literature". East and Central African Journal of Surgery. 18 (3): 45–52. ISSN   2073-9990.
  37. ↑ Gutiérrez, José María; Calvete, Juan J.; Habib, Abdulrazaq G.; Harrison, Robert A.; Williams, David J.; Warrell, David A. (2017). "Snakebite envenoming" (PDF). Nature Reviews Disease Primers. 3 (3): 17063. doi: 10.1038/nrdp.2017.63 . PMID   28905944. S2CID   4916503.

Further reading

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.