Request to look at Mambas

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Kelly Mc
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Request to look at Mambas

Post by Kelly Mc »

If anyone has photographed Mambas I would love to look at the pictures.

If you want to include more than that, any narrative about your experiences in their company - that would be wonderful
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JakeScott
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Re: Request to look at Mambas

Post by JakeScott »

Well, this is not a wild animal. I was allowed to photograph this animal at the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans without any glas.

Green Mamba (Dendroaspis angusticeps):
Image
Dendroaspis angusticeps by Jake M. Scott, on Flickr

And the Black Mamba:
Image

-Jake
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Kelly Mc
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Re: Request to look at Mambas

Post by Kelly Mc »

Thank You! :D
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Rags
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Re: Request to look at Mambas

Post by Rags »

Sorry, no photos or stories here.

Try seeking out any of the books about C.J.P. Ionides. An African 'Snake Man,' who routinely caught both Black and Green Mambas.

Snake man : the story of C.J.P. Ionides by Alan Wykes is probably the best.
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blacktara
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Re: Request to look at Mambas

Post by blacktara »

I was in southern Africa in March 2014. Found one wild polylepsis in Swaziland that had gotten into one of the buildings of a resort site. The following are a few pics of a mamba from South Africa that was part of a collection. Pics were taken during a handling course and photo session at a site on the outskirts of Jberg.

Image

Image


Image

As for the experience of being around them, I would say unhesitatingly that their reputation is WAY overblown. They are fast and alert, but they are NOT offensively aggressive towards humans. They are fast, but given any kind chance, they will vamoose. The trick to handling and photographing is to tire the snake out and then give it a place to hide (like under a trash can lid) and then after a few minutes to let it get comfortable, take the lid off and you can photograph it at leisure.

Two best people in the world to contact for info on mamba (or if you want to go looking for them) are Mike Perry of African Retiles and Venom in South Africa and Thea Litschka-Koen at Simunye Country Club in Swaziland. Both great people who love to share their knowledge and experience
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Kelly Mc
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Re: Request to look at Mambas

Post by Kelly Mc »

Thanks Blacktara for your reply & information and for the head shot too ..

-Kelly
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justinm
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Re: Request to look at Mambas

Post by justinm »

Kelly,

This is the best picture I have of a Black Mamba. This is a captive animal, hope it helps you with what you're looking for.

Image
Jimi
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Re: Request to look at Mambas

Post by Jimi »

I'd suggest getting on some of the elapid keepers' forums and looking at shots of their animals. You could always request something specific if you don't just see what you're looking for.

Too bad their keeping has been driven underground where you live, else you could get your own pics. I have very little doubt there are several privately-held captives within a few dozen miles of you.

Neat animals. They command respect and appreciation.

Cheers,
Jimi
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Kelly Mc
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Re: Request to look at Mambas

Post by Kelly Mc »

Thank you- ah

!!!
That's beautiful

Thank you for that.
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umop apisdn
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Re: Request to look at Mambas

Post by umop apisdn »

Is there anything in particular you're looking for in photos of mambas? There's a green in the collection I just took over.
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Kelly Mc
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Re: Request to look at Mambas

Post by Kelly Mc »

I would love to see photos of it. Any photos and/or videos presenting natural carriage and motion, without human influence much preferred.

Close up of head in different angles, but i would also be really interested in descriptions of behaviors, wild observations and captive experiences. Any and all, and research material on ecology and venom chemistry.
im moved by them in a scientific and poetical sense

Any thing shared would be much appreciated in near or future time :)
Jimi
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Re: Request to look at Mambas

Post by Jimi »

I think you will find much to read and see here:
http://www.venomland.org/f5-dendroaspis

also this Dutchman (who also posts in the above site) is friendly, very knowledgeable, and has some photos posted
http://www.elapidae.nl/african.php

good hunting,
Jimi
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Kelly Mc
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Re: Request to look at Mambas

Post by Kelly Mc »

Thank you Jimi!!
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chrish
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Re: Request to look at Mambas

Post by chrish »

Since I've never seen a wild mamba, here's some zoo shots -

angusticeps
Image

viridis
Image
Image
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justinm
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Re: Request to look at Mambas

Post by justinm »

Chris, the detail in the scalation of the eye that viridis has is super cool. I guess I've really overlooked their beauty.
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Kelly Mc
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Re: Request to look at Mambas

Post by Kelly Mc »

Spectacular.
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Kelly Mc
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Re: Request to look at Mambas

Post by Kelly Mc »

Right down to the blade shape scales. One of the most perfect animals to ever grace this planet.
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