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Western green mamba

The western green mamba (Dendroaspis viridis) is a long, thin, and highly venomous snake species of the mamba genus, Dendroaspis. This species was first described in 1844 by American herpetologist Edward Hallowell. The western green mamba is a fairly large and predominantly arboreal species, capable of navigating through trees swiftly and gracefully. It will also descend to ground level to pursue prey such as rodents and other small mammals.

Western green mamba
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Elapidae
Subfamily: Elapinae
Genus: Dendroaspis
Species:
D. viridis
Binomial name
Dendroaspis viridis
(Hallowell, 1844)[2]
Dendroaspis viridis range
Synonyms[3][4]
  • Leptophis viridis
    Hallowell, 1844
  • Dinophis hammondii
    Hallowell, 1852
  • Dendroaspis viridis hallowelli
    Yeomans, 1993
  • Dendroaspis viridis hallowelli
    – Barnett & Emms, 2005

The western green mamba is a shy and agile snake that lives mainly in the coastal tropical rainforest, thicket, and woodland regions of western Africa. Its venom is a highly potent mixture of rapid-acting presynaptic and postsynaptic neurotoxins (dendrotoxins), cardiotoxins and fasciculins. Some consider this species not to be a particularly aggressive snake, but others have suggested that they are extremely nervous and are prone to attack aggressively when cornered. Conflict with humans is low compared to some other species found in the region. Bites to people by this species are quite uncommon. Their mortality rate, however, is high; many of the recorded bites have been fatal. Rapid progression of severe, life-threatening symptoms are hallmarks of mamba bites. Bites with envenomation can be rapidly fatal.

Taxonomy

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The western green mamba was first described by the American herpetologist and physician Edward Hallowell in 1844 as Leptophis viridis, from a specimen collected in Liberia.[5] The specific name viridis is the Latin adjective "green".[6] In 1852, Hallowell described Dinophis hammondii from two specimens of western green mambas collected in Liberia, naming it for his friend Ogden Hammond of South Carolina.[7] These were later deemed the same species by Belgian-British zoologist George Albert Boulenger.[3]

The genus was misspelt as Dendraspis by Dumeril in 1856, and generally uncorrected by subsequent authors. In 1936, Dutch herpetologist Leo Brongersma pointed the correct spelling was Dendroaspis.[8] Analysis of the components of the venom of all mambas places the western green mamba as sister species to Jameson's mamba.[9] In addition to being called the western green mamba, this species is also commonly known as the West African green mamba,[10] and formerly Hallowell's green mamba.[11]

Analysis of the components of the venom of all mambas places the western green mamba sister to Jameson's mamba (Dendroapsis j. jamesoni and j. kaimosae), as shown in the cladogram below.[12]

Description

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The western green mamba has a long and slender body with a long tapering tail. The average length of an adult is between 1.4 metres (4.6 ft) and 2.1 metres (7 ft), with large approaching 2.4 metres (8 ft) long.[13] The long thin head has a distinct canthus above the medium-sized eyes, which have round pupils and yellowish brown irises.[14] When threatened or otherwise aroused, the western green mamba is capable of flattening its neck area into a slight hood.[15] The snake is bright green fading to yellow or orange towards the tail. Its scales have prominent black margins, giving the species a networked pattern.[16]

The western green mamba can be mistaken for similar species such as green bushsnakes of the genus Philothamnus or the boomslang (Dispholidus typus).[17]

Scalation

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See also: Snake scale § Nomenclature of scales

The number and pattern of scales on a snake's body are a key element of identification to species level.[18] The western green mamba has 13 rows of long and thin dorsal scales at midbody, fewer than any similar species. Each is double the length of the ventral scales. There are 211 to 225 ventral scales, 105 to 128 divided subcaudal scales, and a divided anal scale.[a] Its mouth is lined with 7 to 9 supralabial scales above, the fourth and sometimes fifth one located under the eye, and 9–10 sublabial scales below.[16]

Distribution and habitat

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The western green mamba is native to West Africa from Gambia and southern Senegal to Benin, including the intervening countries (from west to east) Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Ghana, and Togo.[1] It is common in Togo, found as far north as the Alédjo Wildlife Reserve, though may theoretically be found in Sarakawa and Djamdé forests in the Kara Region.[20] Records from Nigeria are dubious,[1] and reports from the Central African Republic are more likely to be misidentification of Jameson's mamba.[21]

Western green mambas live mainly in the coastal tropical rainforest, thicket, and woodland regions of western Africa.[13] The majority of records of the western green mamba are from within the continuous forest, but the Gambia and Guinea-Bissau records are from isolated forests. The species persists in areas where the tree cover has been removed, providing that sufficient hedges and thicket remain. Found in some suitably vegetated suburbs and towns and parklands therein.[13] It is largely confined to areas where rainfall exceeds 1,500 millimetres (60 in).[22] In Togo, however, its range extends into the drier open forests of the north, the Guinean savannas of the west, and the littoral zone.[20]

Conservation status

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This species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (v3.1, 2011). The conservation status of this species was last assessed in July 2012 and published in 2013, and it was classed as such due to a wide distribution, fairly generalist habits, stable population and the lack of major threats. However, its habitat and population is highly fragmented.[1] Despite not being listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the western green mamba is collected and sold internationally, and is one of the more expensive African snake species.[23]

Behaviour and ecology

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Mostly diurnal, the western green mamba spends most of its time in the forest canopy, at times at considerable height, though on occasion commonly go to the ground. When it wants to sleep it seeks out tree branches that offer dense cover. It generally retreats if encountered.[24] The oldest recorded western green mamba was a captive specimen that lived 18.7 years.[25]

Breeding

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The species lays a clutch of 6 to 14 eggs.[24]

Diet and predators

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The western green mamba generally hunts in trees though can also hunt on the ground. It preys on birds and small mammals, including rodents and squirrels.[24]

Venom

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The western green mamba is classified as a snake of medical importance in western SubSaharan Africa by the World Health Organization,[b][26] although bites from this species are rare as it is rarely encountered.[13] When bitten, symptoms rapidly begin to manifest, usually within the first 15 minutes or less. The extraordinary speed with which the venom spreads through tissue and produces rapid manifestations of life-threatening symptoms is unique to mambas. Common symptoms of a bite from a western green mamba include local pain and swelling, although uncommon, local necrosis can be moderate, ataxia, headache, drowsiness, difficulty breathing, vertigo, hypotension (low blood pressure), diarrhea, dizziness, and paralysis. Left untreated, new and more severe symptoms rapidly progress. All symptoms worsen and the victim eventually dies due to suffocation resulting from paralysis of the respiratory muscles. Bites with envenomation can be rapidly fatal, which can be possible in 30 minutes.[14][27]

Similar to the venom of most other mambas, the western green mamba's contains predominantly three-finger toxin agents. The exception is the black mamba, whose venom lacks the potent alpha-neurotoxin as well. It is thought this may reflect the species' preferred prey—small mammals for the mainly land-dwelling black mamba, versus birds for the other predominantly arboreal mambas. Unlike that of many snake species, the venom of mambas has little phospholipase A2. Overall, the venom of the western green mamba is more potent than that of the eastern green mamba, similar or slightly less potent than that of Jameson's mamba, and much less potent than that of the black mamba.[9]

The venom consists mainly of both pre-synaptic and post-synaptic neurotoxins, cardiotoxins,[27] and fasciculins. The toxicity of the venom can vary tremendously depending on various factors including diet, geographical location, age-dependent change, and other factors. The SC and IV LD50 for this species is 0.79 mg/kg and 0.71 mg/kg, respectively (Christensen and Anderson (1967)).[14] One study determined the LD50 of the venom administered to mice via the intraperitoneal (IP) route was 0.33 mg/kg.[28] In another test using mice that were administered the western green mamba's venom via the intraperitoneal (IP) route the LD50 was 0.045 mg/kg.[29] Another experimental IV LD50 toxicity of 0.5 mg/kg has been reported, with an average wet venom yield of 100 mg.[13] Like other mamba species, western green mamba venom is among the most rapid-acting venom of snakes.[30]


Treatment

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The speed of onset of envenomation means that urgent medical attention is needed.[24] Standard first aid treatment for any bite from a suspectedly venomous snake is the application of a pressure bandage, minimisation of the victim's movement, and rapid conveyance to a hospital or clinic. Due to the neurotoxic nature of green mamba venom, an arterial tourniquet may be beneficial.[31] Tetanus toxoid is sometimes administered, though the main treatment is the administration of the appropriate antivenom.[32]

Notes

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  1. ^ A divided scale is one split down the midline into two scales.[19]
  2. ^ Snakes of Medical Importance include those with highly dangerous venom resulting in high rates of morbidity and mortality, or those that are common agents in snakebite.[26]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Luiselli, L.; Segniagbeto, G. (2013). "Dendroaspis viridis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2013: e.T13265799A13265808. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T13265799A13265808.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. ^ "Dendroaspis viridis". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 4 March 2014.
  3. ^ a b Boulenger, George Albert (1896). Catalogue of the Snakes in the British Museum (Natural History), Volume III. Vol. 3. London: Natural History Museum (London) Publications. p. 435.
  4. ^ Dendroaspis viridis at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 2 February 2016.
  5. ^ Hallowell, E. (1844). "Description of new species of African reptiles". Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. 2: 169–172. LCCN 12030019. OCLC 1382862.
  6. ^ "Definition of "viridis"". Numen — The Latin Lexicon. Retrieved 4 March 2014.
  7. ^ Hallowell, Edward (1852). "On a new genus and two new species of African serpents". Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. 6: 203–204.
  8. ^ Brongersma, Leo Daniel (1936). "Herpetological note XIII". Zoologische Mededelingen. 19: 135.
  9. ^ a b Ainsworth, Stuart; Petras, Daniel; Engmark, Mikael; Süssmuth, Roderich D.; Whiteley, Gareth; Albulescu, Laura-Oana; Kazandjian, Taline D.; Wagstaff, Simon C.; Rowley, Paul; Wüster, Wolfgang; Dorrestein, Pieter C.; Arias, Ana Silvia; Gutiérrez, José M.; Harrison, Robert A.; Casewell, Nicholas R.; Calvete, Juan J. (2018). "The medical threat of mamba envenoming in sub-Saharan Africa revealed by genus-wide analysis of venom composition, toxicity and antivenomics profiling of available antivenoms". Journal of Proteomics. 172: 173–189 [178]. doi:10.1016/j.jprot.2017.08.016. hdl:10261/279110. PMID 28843532. S2CID 217018550.
  10. ^ Department of the Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (2013). Venomous Snakes of the World: A Manual for Use by U.S. Amphibious Forces. New York: Skyhorse Publishing. p. 200. ISBN 978-1-62087-623-7.
  11. ^ Cansdale, George Soper (1955). Reptiles of West Africa. London: Penguin Books. p. 42.
  12. ^ Ainsworth, Stuart; Petras, Daniel; Engmark, Mikael; Süssmuth, Roderich D.; Whiteley, Gareth; Albulescu, Laura-Oana; Kazandjian, Taline D.; Wagstaff, Simon C.; Rowley, Paul; Wüster, Wolfgang; Dorrestein, Pieter C.; Arias, Ana Silvia; Gutiérrez, José M.; Harrison, Robert A.; Casewell, Nicholas R.; Calvete, Juan J. (2018). "The medical threat of mamba envenoming in sub-Saharan Africa revealed by genus-wide analysis of venom composition, toxicity and antivenomics profiling of available antivenoms". Journal of Proteomics. 172: 173–189. doi:10.1016/j.jprot.2017.08.016. hdl:10261/279110. PMID 28843532. S2CID 217018550.
  13. ^ a b c d e Spawls, Steve; Branch, Bill (1995). The Dangerous Snakes of Africa. Blandford. pp. 51–52. ISBN 978-0-88359-029-4.
  14. ^ a b c "Dendroaspis viridis". Clinical Toxinology Resource. University of Adelaide. Retrieved 4 March 2014.
  15. ^ Pitman, Charles R.S. (1965). "Hood-spreading by the mambas of the African genus Dendroaspis Schlegel". Journal of East African Natural History. 25 (2): 110–115.
  16. ^ a b Chippaux, Jean-Phillipe; Jackson, Kate (2019). Snakes of Central and Western Africa (1 ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. p. 109. ISBN 978-1421427195.
  17. ^ Marais, Johan (19 September 2019). "Western Green Mamba". African Snakebite Institute. Retrieved 8 May 2021.
  18. ^ Hutchinson, Mark; Williams, Ian (2018). "Key to the Snakes of South Australia" (PDF). South Australian Museum. Government of South Australia. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 July 2019. Retrieved 8 February 2019.
  19. ^ Macdonald, Stewart. "snake scale count search". Australian Reptile Online Database. Retrieved 3 May 2019.
  20. ^ a b Segniagbeto, Gabriel Hoinsoude; Trape, Jean François; David, Patrick; Ohler, Annemarie; Dubois, Alain; Glitho, Isabelle Adolé (2011). "The snake fauna of Togo: systematics, distribution and biogeography, with remarks on selected taxonomic problems" (PDF). Zoosystema. 33 (3): 325–360. doi:10.5252/z2011n3a4. S2CID 84017614.
  21. ^ Chirio, Laurent; Ineich, Ivan (2006). "Biogeography of the Reptiles of the Central African Republic" (PDF). African Journal of Herpetology. 2006 (1): 23–59. Bibcode:2006AfJH...55...23C. doi:10.1080/21564574.2006.9635538.
  22. ^ Trape, J.F.; Mané, Y. (2006). Guide des serpents d'Afrique occidentale : Savane et désert (in French). IRD Orstom. ISBN 978-2-7099-1600-4.
  23. ^ Jensen, Timm Juul; Auliya, Mark; Burgess, Neil David; Aust, Patrick Welby; Pertoldi, Cino; Strand, Julie (2019). "Exploring the international trade in African snakes not listed on CITES: Highlighting the role of the internet and social media". Biodiversity and Conservation. 28 (1): 1–19. Bibcode:2019BiCon..28....1J. doi:10.1007/s10531-018-1632-9. S2CID 57373462.
  24. ^ a b c d Spawls, Steve; Branch, Bill (2020) [1995]. The Dangerous Snakes of Africa. Bloomsbury. pp. 125–126. ISBN 978-1-4729-6028-3.
  25. ^ "AnAge entry for Dendroaspis viridis". AnAge:The Animal Ageing and Longevity Database. Human Ageing Genomic Resources. Retrieved 24 July 2021.
  26. ^ a b WHO Expert Committee on Biological Standardization. "Guidelines for the production, control and regulation of snake antivenom immunoglobulins" (PDF). WHO Technical Report Series, No. 964. pp. 224–226. Retrieved 1 January 2019.
  27. ^ a b "Immediate First Aid for bites by Western Green Mamba (Dendroaspis viridis)". Toxicology. University of California, San Diego. Archived from the original on 15 March 2016. Retrieved 4 March 2014.
  28. ^ Shipolin, RA.; Bailey, GS; Edwardson, JA; Banks, BCE. (August 1973). "Separation and Characterization of Polypeptides from the Venom of Dendroaspis viridis". European Journal of Biochemistry. 40 (2): 337–344. doi:10.1111/j.1432-1033.1973.tb03202.x. PMID 4360896.
  29. ^ Gill, DM. (1982). "Bacterial Toxins: A Table of Lethal Amounts" (PDF). Microbiological Reviews. 46 (1): 86–94. doi:10.1128/MMBR.46.1.86-94.1982. PMC 373212. PMID 6806598. Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 January 2014. Retrieved 17 March 2014.
  30. ^ Chippaux, JP. (2006). Snake Venoms and Envenomations. United States: Krieger Publishing Company. p. 300. ISBN 978-1-57524-272-9.
  31. ^ Dreyer, S. B.; Dreyer, J. S. (November 2013). "Snake Bite: A review of Current Literature". East and Central African Journal of Surgery. 18 (3): 45–52. ISSN 2073-9990.
  32. ^ Gutiérrez, José María; Calvete, Juan J.; Habib, Abdulrazaq G.; Harrison, Robert A.; Williams, David J.; Warrell, David A. (2017). "Snakebite envenoming" (PDF). Nature Reviews Disease Primers. 3 (3): 17063. doi:10.1038/nrdp.2017.63. PMID 28905944. S2CID 4916503.
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