Africa's deadly black mamba holds vital clues to urban pollution

The black mamba, one of Africa’s most venomous snakes, is helping scientists measure pollution through the heavy metals found in its scales. © Marcos del Mazo/Getty Images

Africa’s most feared snake has found a new role as an environmental guardian, with researchers having discovered that black mambas can serve as detectors of air pollution.

A new study shows the snakes – which are Africa’s most venomous – absorb heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury into their bodies.