Green Mambas in Namibia: Two Species Present

Venomous Residents of the Northern Bush

Yes, Namibia hosts two green mamba species, both in the genus Dendroaspis:

1. Eastern Green Mamba (Dendroaspis angusticeps)

• Range in Namibia: Far northeast — Caprivi Strip (Zambezi Region), along Okavango/Kwando/Linyanti riverine forests.
• Habitat: Dense coastal/riverine forest, thickets. Arboreal.
• Appearance: Bright glossy green, slender, 1.8–2.5 m. Head distinct from neck.
• Venom: Potent neurotoxic (dendrotoxins); bites rare (shy, arboreal).

2. Western Green Mamba (Dendroaspis viridis)

• Range in Namibia: Extreme northwest — Kunene Region, along Kunene River gallery forest (border with Angola).
• Habitat: Riparian forest, dense savanna woodland. More terrestrial than eastern.
• Appearance: Green (yellow-green to dark), larger (2–3 m), robust.
• Venom: Similar neurotoxic profile; dangerous.

Key Points

• Both are restricted to northern riverine corridors — absent from central/southern Namibia (Namib, Kalahari).
• Encounters unlikely outside these zones; they avoid open areas.
• First aid: Pressure immobilization, urgent hospital (antivenom: SAIMR polyvalent or specific).
• Conservation: Not threatened; habitat loss (riparian clearing) is main risk.

Other Namibian Elapids

Black mamba (D. polylepis) — widespread; Cape cobra (Naja nivea); Snouted cobra (N. annulifera); Anchieta's cobra (N. anchietae).