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Mambas-'intelligence'?
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by shawnfraser on September 29, 2006
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I work with a Dendroaspis polylepis. This snake seems to exhibit much more alertness and awareness than other species. Do you think they (or elapids in general) are more 'intelligent' than other species? It has been suggested on this site (sorry I can't remember where it was posted) and by Harry W. Greene in 'Snakes-The Evolution of Mystery in Nature' that this interpretation is due to their lifestyle and visual nature. What does everyone else think? Shawn Fraser
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RE: Mambas-'intelligence'?
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by timberrattlesnake89 on September 30, 2006
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I have read several articles about how Black Mambas have problem solving abilities. They to me other than the king cobra the most intellegant snake in the animal kingdom. Also from what I have heard they are on of the few snakes that know they are in the cage and will do anything and everything possible to get out. That to me makes them the most dangerous snake to keep on earth.
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RE: Mambas-'intelligence'?
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by Cro on September 30, 2006
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Shawn, the ``lifestyle and visual nature`` of these snakes probably does play a big part in the percieved intelligence of these snakes. They are very alert and have this ``intensity`` about them.
However, there is something more to it than that. As Phillip said, they often do seem to know they are in a cage, and know just where the door opening is, they do seem to wait for the chance to rush the door and excape. I saw this happen on several occasions with the green and jamasons mambas at the AZP.
Also, their tendency to at times stand their ground seems to imply that they somehow ``know`` that they possess a potent weapon. Why else would they stand their ground when they encounter an elephant?
They have a finely tuned awairness for survival and for excape. Is this due to more intelligence than other snakes or just from evolution from living in a harsh enviornment? Perhaps it is a little of both.
Best Regards JohnZ
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RE: Mambas-'intelligence'?
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by SwampY on September 30, 2006
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While working at hotlanta reptiles, I watched a new polylepis that came in adjusting to a new enclosure. It had a pegboard back for air. I watched the snake over the course of an hour check each hole in that pegboard for size and shape. Up one row, down the next. First, look at it. Second, feel it with tongue. Third, touch nose to see if it could fit. Methodical, mesmerizing, one hole at the time in sequential order. damn scary. Why does it still bother me to think about that? That snake wasn't just nosing for a way out. It was thinking the whole time. Amazingly it never touched the glass and didn't try to go that route, but it checked every single fixture in the cage not by trying to push through, but by observing the things around it. hinges, lights, etc.
Chad
http://www.envenomated.com
"Excuse me ma'am. The new snake. I don't think its a mamba. It's not attacking anything."
~ Lab assistant in the 1982 movie "Venom"
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RE: Mambas-'intelligence'?
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by Cro on September 30, 2006
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It is interesting to note that in African tribal mythology, many peoples believe that mambas hold the disembodied spirits of dead witch-doctors.
It would not surprise me if it turned out to be true.
Best Regards JohnZ
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RE: Mambas-'intelligence'?
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by rabbitsmcgates on October 2, 2006
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I think Mambas are like very intelligent psychopaths who are watching to see if you notice that they are admiring a certain patch of your skin and how very, very nice it would look with a series of punctures in it. As long as you don't seem to notice then they are content with their fantasies, but if you rudely break their bubbles then they explode in a rage and make things a bit "messy" with all that venom and extra punctures. Awwww, you spoiled everything for them......
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RE: Mambas-'intelligence'?
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by shawnfraser on October 10, 2006
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Thanks for the replies, everyone.
The mamba at Reptile World has a built in hide box which is closed from the outside of the cage for maintenance. He spends most of his time in it, often with his head sticking out of the access hole. Within a few minutes of opening the box after cleaning, etc., the snake will come out and thoroughly explore the main body of the cage. I have rubbed my finger on various spots (walls, branches, etc.) many times, and the mamba will always find that certain spot and spend a few minutes investigating it. The other snakes I have worked with over the years are usually indifferent to humans outside their enclosure. I have seen this D. polylepis watching people as they walked by. He did not seem stressed or excited, he simply followed the movements of people nearby - it looked to me like simple curiosity and awareness of his surroundings.
I am still (and always will be) fascinated by all reptiles, however the Dendroaspis absolutely captivate me.
By the way, SwampY, I have your book "Venomous Snakes of the Southeast" and it is very well done and informative. If only it could become required reading in science/biology classes in schools!
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