The Highly Venomous Boomslang Snake Keeps to the Trees

Native to Sub-Saharan Africa, the boomslang snake is known for its remarkable agility, bright green coloration and potent venom. Despite being one of the few snakes capable of delivering a fatal bite to humans, this tree snake is timid and generally avoids confrontation.

In the wild, boomslangs are highly skilled hunters, using their slender bodies and large, blunt heads to navigate the trees of central and southern Africa. Their venom, while deadly, is rarely used against humans, as bites generally occur only when the snake feels threatened or is accidentally handled.

Physical Characteristics

The boomslang (Dispholidus typus) is a slender snake with a large, blunt head and large eyes that provide excellent vision.

Adult boomslangs can reach lengths of up to 6 feet, with males often displaying a bright green coloration, while females are typically brown or olive. Juvenile boomslangs have a more muted, greenish-gray color that gradually brightens as they mature.

The snake's smooth, glossy scales give it a sleek appearance, making it well-suited for life in the trees. Boomslangs also have well-developed venom glands, which produce a hemotoxic venom capable of causing severe internal bleeding in their prey — or, in rare cases, humans.

Tree Snake Subspecies

Boomslangs are part of the larger family of Colubridae, which includes many nonvenomous snakes, but they are unique in that they possess deadly venom.

Although there are no officially recognized subspecies of the boomslang, there are slight variations in coloration and size depending on the region.

In southern Africa, particularly in the Western Cape, the bright green males are more commonly observed, while in other parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, boomslangs may be found in shades of brown, olive or even black.

These variations help the snake blend into its specific environment, whether it’s the leafy treetops or the drier bushlands.

Social Habits

Boomslangs are solitary and highly arboreal, spending most of their time in trees. They are shy and reclusive, preferring to avoid humans and other large animals.

When threatened, a boomslang will inflate its neck, displaying its bright coloration and opening its mouth wide to warn off predators. Despite this defensive display, the boomslang is a timid snake and will usually retreat if given the chance.

Bites generally occur only when the snake is accidentally handled or cornered, making these incidents rare. The boomslang's preference for a quiet, secluded life in the trees is a key factor in its low interaction with humans.

Boomslang Venom and Diet

Boomslangs are carnivorous and primarily feed on small vertebrates, including birds, frogs, lizards and other snakes. They are adept hunters, using their excellent vision and stealth to approach their prey undetected. Once within striking distance, the boomslang delivers a precise bite, injecting its potent venom.

However, the snakes small size and environment also make them vulnerable to attacks from large birds of prey.

The boomslang venom is hemotoxic, meaning it disrupts blood clotting and can cause severe internal bleeding. This deadly venom quickly incapacitates the prey, allowing the snake to swallow it whole.

The boomslang's diet is varied, and its ability to hunt both in the trees and on the ground makes it a versatile predator.

Environment

The boomslang is native to sub-Saharan Africa, with a range that extends across central and southern regions, including the Western Cape of South Africa. It is most commonly found in savannas, forests and bushlands, where it has plenty of trees to climb and hide in. Boomslangs are particularly well-adapted to life in the trees, with their slender bodies and strong muscles allowing them to move easily through the branches.

In these environments, they are often found basking in the sun or hunting for prey. The snake's bright green or olive coloration provides excellent camouflage among the leaves, helping it avoid detection by both predators and prey.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of a boomslang begins with mating in the trees during the warmer months. After mating, the female lays a clutch of eggs, typically in a hidden location such as a hollow tree or under dense foliage. The brood of 10 to 14 eggs hatch after about two to three months, and the young snakes are independent from birth.

Juvenile boomslangs are born with the ability to deliver a venomous bite, although their venom is less potent than that of adults. As they grow, their coloration brightens, and they gradually develop the full potency of their venom.

Boomslangs can live for many years in the wild, with their longevity depending on factors such as predation and availability of food.

Conservation Status in Southern Africa

The boomslang is not currently listed as endangered, but it faces threats from habitat destruction. As human populations expand into rural areas, the boomslang’s natural habitat is increasingly fragmented by deforestation, making it more difficult for these snakes to find food and suitable nesting sites.

Additionally, due to their venomous nature, boomslangs are sometimes killed on sight by people who fear their deadly bite.

However, incidents involving boomslangs are rare, and conservation efforts by organizations such as the South African Vaccine Producers and the South African Medical Journal focus on educating the public about the importance of these snakes in developing and producing hemotoxic antivenom.

This article was created in conjunction with AI technology, then edited and fact-checked by a HowStuffWorks editor.

Original article: The Highly Venomous Boomslang Snake Keeps to the Trees

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