Boomslang or Green Mamba?
This morning I traveled out to Ciyanjano, Action Zambia’s campground, retreat center and income generation property. It’s about a 30 minute drive for me, but I love getting outside of urban Lusaka. I took a couple of pastors with me early to show them the leadership retreat center facilities. As we were peering inside each chalet we opened up the door of one chalet, only to find a massive snake slithering across the concrete floor. We quickly exited the chalet and slammed the door shut. Jailos Sakala was with us and reopened the door carefully and stealthily crept around until venturing into the bathroom. Looking up into the rafters he found the snake curled up. He quickly called for backup and several more of our Zambian workers came running with hoes and slashers. After a quick consultation, the workers decided that this snake was very dangerous and would have to be killed using a catapult (slingshot). Within ten minutes, the snake had been hit in the head and dragged down from its perch. A few slashes and it was dead. The workers believed quite strongly that it was a green mamba. At the time I believed them. Any green snake surpassing a meter was surely a mamba I thought. But after further investigation, I am certain this was a male Boomslang snake. Boomslangs are found around these parts of Southern Africa. They primarily live in trees and shrubs in savanna areas. Green mambas have a more slender head than a Boomslang and have front fangs. Boomslang are often mis-identified as green mambas. Unlike mambas they have rear fangs, enormous eyes and short stubby heads. What’s really interesting is that they can open their mouths 170 degrees. Males like this one, are bright green, sometimes with black-edged scales. We were extremely cautious handling the snake as it is “potently haemotoxic, causing severe bleeding internally and from the mucous surfaces. May result in fatal haemorhage if untreated.” Source: A Complete Guide to the Snakes of Southern Africa by Johan Marais Check out the following pictures:
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November 19th, 2009 at 20:43
I was wondering if it was possible if we could have the AZ retreat somewhere else:) That is huge… So glad I missed this adventure!
November 20th, 2009 at 06:13
I think I won’t pass this along to Tricia. It’s too bad that these snakes are so poisonous since I’m sure they kill a lot of rodents and spiders. Oh well. If it’s me or them – they’re going.
November 20th, 2009 at 06:16
hehe…it’s no wonder that we all grew up afraid of snakes…africa will do that to you
June 16th, 2010 at 10:00
This is the most interesting blog I have seen on this topic. Lots to talk about. I’m going to show my neighbor. It will definitely start a whole new topic of conversation.