What is the Fastest Snake in the World?
The Black Mamba (scientific name: Dendroaspis polylepis) holds the title of the fastest snake globally, achieving speeds between 12 to 16 km/h on land.
Physical Characteristics of the Fastest Snake
The average length of the Black Mamba ranges from 2 to 2.5 meters, with a maximum recorded length of 4.3 meters. Its weight can reach up to 1.6 kilograms.
Despite its name, the Black Mamba is not actually black; its coloration varies from grey to dark brown. The name originates from the black hue inside its mouth, contrasting with the white interiors of most other snakes’ mouths.
Behavioral Traits of the Fastest Snake
The Black Mamba exhibits several notable behavioral characteristics, including:
- **Fleeing:**
When threatened, the Black Mamba quickly retreats to its burrow and may attack any creature that obstructs its escape.
- **Hiding:**
This species often prefers to spend the night in underground burrows.
- **Sunbathing:**
As a cold-blooded reptile, the Black Mamba relies on external temperatures to regulate its body heat and typically enjoys basking in sunlight during the day.
- **Hunting:**
The Black Mamba is diurnal, hunting primarily during the day. It immobilizes prey through a venomous bite, which spreads toxins in the victim’s body.
- **Mating and Reproduction:**
The breeding season for Black Mambas occurs from late spring to early summer. Males seek out females for mating, often engaging in competition with other males. After mating, the male departs, leaving the female to lay her eggs in a warm location. Clutches typically consist of 10 to 25 eggs, which she incubates for about 2 to 3 months before they hatch.
- **Diet:**
The Black Mamba is carnivorous, preying on small animals such as squirrels, rodents, and birds. It is also known to hunt other snakes, including cobras.
- **Friends and Foes:**
Typically, the Black Mamba avoids other animals and only interacts during mating season.
- **Communication:**
Despite lacking external ears, the Black Mamba can detect danger through vibrations caused by approaching threats and signals warnings to other members of its species.
Habitat of the Fastest Snake
The Black Mamba inhabits tree cover and underground burrows, as well as rocky crevices. This species is native to the savanna forests, rocky slopes, and dense woodlands in southern and eastern Africa.
Its distribution includes:
- The southern regions of the Sahara desert.
- Countries such as Cameroon, the Congo, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, Uganda, Mozambique, Rwanda, Burundi, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, and Angola.
Second and Third Fastest Snakes in the World
The Southern Black Racer is recognized as the second fastest snake after the Black Mamba, found primarily in the United States. It measures between 0.6 to 1.4 meters in length and can reach speeds of approximately 6.5 km/h.
Ranking third in terms of speed is the Cottonmouth Viper, with speeds varying between 2.67 to 2.98 m/s.