Eastern Green Mamba - Behaviour and Diet

Behaviour and Diet

This species is highly arboreal and seldom ventures to the ground unless thirsty, following prey or to bask under the sun. Unlike its much larger cousin the Black mamba, this mamba is very shy and generally not aggressive. It will avoid confrontation with humans or other potential predators when possible, and will rather rely on its camouflage, or flee, than alert a potential threat of its presence. They are fast snakes, capable of moving 7 mph. They don't always strike, but under continuous harassment and provocation and especially if cornered, they may suddenly become very ferocious and strike repeatedly in quick succession.

They are a diurnal species that hunt during the day. The diet of the Eastern green mamba consists primarily of adult and juvenile birds, bird eggs, frogs, lizards, snakes, rodents, and other small mammals. They will hunt on the ground if suitable prey cannot be found in the trees. Young specimens will occasionally eat other reptiles, such as chameleons.