Black Mamba

Africa's longest venomous snake and one of the fastest snakes in the world. Known for its speed, aggression, and potent venom.

GenusDendroaspis

RegionAfricaSub-Saharan Africa

Photo: Bernard DUPONT from FRANCE · Source: Wikimedia Commons · License: CC BY-SA 2.0

Black Mamba

Photo: Bernard DUPONT from FRANCE · Source: Wikimedia Commons · License: CC BY-SA 2.0

Black Mamba

Danger Score

Final Danger Score

Venom Core

Lethality weighted 55% (potency × yield). Clinical weighted 45% (real-world CFR).

0.55 × 65 + 0.45 × 10080.8

Modifiers

Multiplicative scalers - amplify or reduce existing danger, can't create it from nothing.

× Speed (1.08)87.2

× Delivery (1.00)87.2

× Encounter (0.92)80.2

Speed = antivenom window. Delivery = fang efficiency. Encounter = exposure × temperament.

Score80

Type

NeurotoxicAffects the nervous system; disrupts nerve-muscle communication and can cause paralysis or respiratory failure.

Venom Yield

High

Venom Speed

Extremely quick

Delivery Method

Fixed front fangs

Potency (SC Equivalent)

0.960mg/kg LD50

Max Dry Yield

120mg dry

Fatality (Untreated)

90-100%

WHO Importance

Cat. 1

Local Effects

Pain at bite site, Swelling

Neurological

Drooping eyelids, Trouble speaking or swallowing, Dizziness, Weakness or drowsiness, Paralysis, Difficulty breathing

Gastrointestinal

Nausea or vomiting, Abdominal pain or cramps

Causes of Death

Respiratory failure, Circulatory shock