Black Mambas from around Durban

Black Mambas from around Durban

Postby Nick Evans » Wed Aug 31, 2016 7:31 am

Hi,

I just thought I'd share some photos of my photos one of my favourite species around, the awe-inspiring Black Mamba!

I'm lucky enough to work with these majestic creatures on a regular basis, as they're often venturing into suburban properties here in Durban.

I've come to learn that their fearsome and vicious reputation is very over-exaggerated, and they're not quite the monsters they're made out to be. They're shy, nervous, and are always looking to retreat. That doesn't mean that they're a snake to mess with!
I've also learnt that they're incredibly intelligent and powerful beasts, which are excellent climbers and are very fast-moving on the ground.

Most of these shots were taken when releasing the snakes (some of which I may have posted before). Most of the time, they don't give me an opportunity to photograph them, they just bolt off into the bush! So these are some lucky shots.
I have only had the privilege of seeing a handful of specimens while out walking in the bush.

P.S, on my screen, it appears most of the pics don't fit properly, with the right side being cut out! Apologies...

A 1.7m long individual from Inanda. A very feisty mamba, which shot straight to the top of an Acacia tree upon release.

Image

A hatchling which a friend caught in Westville North. Don't usually see many mambas under a meter long...
Still, an intimidating site even at that size. I find the juveniles are a bit more cheeky than the big ones!

Image

Image

The only juvenile I managed to catch last season. Well, actually an elderly lady had managed to trap it under a bucket for me (no, I didn't ask her too!)

Image

Image

Image

Mamba in the sky...

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

One of the biggest mambas I've ever seen. Only 2.55m long, but 4kg heavy!

Image

Image

Image

And then, my best ever call-out, two males in combat! Below is a link to the video on YouTube, and then a link to the full-story:

YouTube: https://youtu.be/gH_SgZNJ3HY
Blog post:http://www.kznamphibianreptileconservation.com/uncategorized/the-dream-call-out/

Thanks for looking!

Cheers,

Nick Evans
http://www.kznamphibianreptileconservation.com
https://www.facebook.com/KZNHerpConservation/?ref=bookmarks#
User avatar
Nick Evans
SA Reptiles Member
 
Posts: 174
Joined: Thu Oct 28, 2010 7:45 pm
Location: Durban, KZN

Re: Black Mambas from around Durban

Postby dahof_herphub » Wed Aug 31, 2016 9:19 pm

Amazing pictures! Keep up the good work
User avatar
dahof_herphub
SA Reptiles Member
 
Posts: 7
Joined: Thu Jun 23, 2016 11:44 am
Location: Johannesburg

Re: Black Mambas from around Durban

Postby Nick Evans » Thu Sep 01, 2016 7:25 am

Thank you so much dahof_herphub!
User avatar
Nick Evans
SA Reptiles Member
 
Posts: 174
Joined: Thu Oct 28, 2010 7:45 pm
Location: Durban, KZN

Re: Black Mambas from around Durban

Postby Mitton » Thu Sep 01, 2016 8:20 am

Just WOW!!!
www.moreliapythons.co.za
User avatar
Mitton
Forum gatekeeper
 
Posts: 3206
Joined: Mon Dec 04, 2006 12:32 pm
Location: Jhb

Re: Black Mambas from around Durban

Postby Mehelya » Thu Sep 01, 2016 9:26 am

Amazing photos of a majestic animal! Kudos Nick!
Rian
If I wasn't me, then I'd probably be someone else...
Forceps. Not fingers...
Yes, it probably will bite you if you carry on that way...
User avatar
Mehelya
SA Reptiles Member
 
Posts: 636
Joined: Mon May 10, 2010 11:21 am
Location: Vryheid

Re: Black Mambas from around Durban

Postby Nick Evans » Fri Sep 02, 2016 12:10 pm

Thanks so much guys :-D :D
User avatar
Nick Evans
SA Reptiles Member
 
Posts: 174
Joined: Thu Oct 28, 2010 7:45 pm
Location: Durban, KZN


Return to Kwazulu Natal

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 5 guests

cron