Black mamba research

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Black Mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis)

Dendroaspis polylepis individuals prefer “wooded savannah, rocky hills, or riverine forests with rocks or downed trees that provide cover. They mayalso be found hiding in hollow trees or termite mounds” 3. Referring to "The Black Mamba". Venomous Reptiles, they prefer traveling on the ground, they are also arboreal. If undisturbed they willmaintain a permanent lair to which it returns when not hunting, basking, mating, or seeking refuge elsewhere.

The carnivore's niche in the community is to help control populations. Very young, old or sickpreys are most vulnerable to predators. “Without predators, populations of animals like mice and deer would grow too large and sick animals might spread disease to other animals.” (Wikipedia) Bycatching prey, carnivores help keep a balance in communities between producers and consumers.

“Black Mambas are invulnerable, because no animal can actually kill them. Their venom can kill just aboutanything, so they don't have much to worry about. The mamba is mainly threatened by habitat destruction.” 2

“In south Africa there are 45 mammal, 443 bird, 458 plant, and 138 snake species. `Butonly 254 species of all ecosystems get involved it to the Black Mamba’s existence.”4 The Black Mambas feed on small mammals and birds, like voles, rats, squirrels, mice, rats, or bush babies. Once aMamba was found with a parrot in its stomach, another with a full-grown Forest Cobra! It will strike a large animal and then release it. It then stalks their victim until it becomes paralyzed. “Withsmaller animals it will strike and hold on until the animal becomes paralyzed. Its flexible jaws and scales make it possible to eat the animal whole.”1

“South Africa has a generally temperate climate,due in part to it being surrounded by the Atlantic and Indian Oceans on three sides. The changes in these regions between summer and winter are generally mild, rather than extreme hot or cold....