A highly venomous snake found primarily in the tropical and subtropical regions of West Africa. Its range extends from the coastal rainforests of Senegal and Gambia through to Benin and Ghana, with some populations reported as far east as Nigeria. This arboreal species prefers dense, humid forests and can often be found in forest edges, wooded savannas, and sometimes in plantations and gardens near human habitation.
The Western green mamba’s most striking feature is its vivid, bright green coloration, which provides excellent camouflage in the leafy canopies of its forest habitat. The scales are smooth and shiny, giving the snake a sleek appearance. Juveniles tend to be a paler green or yellowish color, gradually turning to the characteristic bright green as they mature. The snake’s head is elongated and distinct from the neck, with large, prominent eyes equipped with round pupils, which are well-suited for its diurnal lifestyle.
Despite their venomous nature, these snakes are generally shy and prefer to avoid confrontation with humans. When threatened, they will try to escape, but if cornered, they can become highly defensive, raising their front body off the ground, spreading a narrow hood, and striking repeatedly. Their venom is highly potent, containing neurotoxins that can cause respiratory failure and death in humans if not treated promptly with antivenom.
Distribution
Benin
Gambia
Guinea-Bissau
Guinea
Senegal
Sierra Leone
TogoAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
