Black Mambas from around Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

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Nick Evans
Posts: 71
Joined: February 6th, 2014, 9:21 am

Black Mambas from around Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Post by Nick Evans »

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. A very feisty mamba, which shot straight to the top of an Acacia tree upon release.

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A hatchling which a friend caught. 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!

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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!)

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Mamba in the sky...

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

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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.kznamphibianreptileconservat ... -call-out/

Thanks for looking!

Cheers,

Nick Evans
http://www.kznamphibianreptileconservation.com
https://www.facebook.com/KZNHerpConserv ... bookmarks#
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John Martin
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Joined: June 9th, 2010, 10:57 pm
Location: North end of Lake Okeechobee, Florida

Re: Black Mambas from around Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Af

Post by John Martin »

Magnificent animals! And beaut photography too!! :beer:
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Fieldherper
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Joined: June 11th, 2010, 10:46 am

Re: Black Mambas from around Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Af

Post by Fieldherper »

So awesome! Great photos of majestic animals. You may have the best job in the World.

FH
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Nick Evans
Posts: 71
Joined: February 6th, 2014, 9:21 am

Re: Black Mambas from around Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Af

Post by Nick Evans »

Thank you so much John & Fieldherper! Really appreciate the comments :thumb:
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LouB747
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Joined: June 7th, 2010, 8:50 am
Location: Huntington Beach, CA

Re: Black Mambas from around Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Af

Post by LouB747 »

Wow. Awesome. Just awesome. I hope to see one of those someday. Nice work.
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Nick Evans
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Joined: February 6th, 2014, 9:21 am

Re: Black Mambas from around Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Af

Post by Nick Evans »

Thanks LouB747, if you're ever in this part of the world, just shout ;)
ramblon
Posts: 77
Joined: June 7th, 2010, 10:14 am

Re: Black Mambas from around Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Af

Post by ramblon »

Bitchin'! Top 5 bucket list snake for sure...
Barry R
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Joined: March 16th, 2011, 11:27 am
Location: Shawnee Hills, IN

Re: Black Mambas from around Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Af

Post by Barry R »

great pics
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LouB747
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Joined: June 7th, 2010, 8:50 am
Location: Huntington Beach, CA

Re: Black Mambas from around Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Af

Post by LouB747 »

Nick Evans wrote:Thanks LouB747, if you're ever in this part of the world, just shout ;)
I may hold you to that! One day....
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