The 26ft Monster | Meet the World’s Largest Snake
THE world’s largest snake has been spotted lurking in the depths of the Amazon Rainforest.
The beast is a whopping 440lbs, three times the weight of the average human, 26ft long, and with a head the size of a human’s.
First Sighting of the Giant Snake
The colossal snake is far bigger than the previous biggest known species – the reticulated python, which averages 20ft 5ins long.
Before now, only one species of Green Anaconda – also called the Giant Anaconda – has been recognised in the Amazon.
Discovery of the Northern Green Anaconda
The Northern Green Anaconda was found by TV wildlife presenter Professor Freek Vonk in remote Brazil. The Northern Green Anaconda was published in a study in the scientific journal Diversity on 16 February. Dutch biologist Professor Vonk was filmed swimming next to the enormous anaconda. He said: “That one was 26 feet long and weighed 440lbs.”
Genetic Difference & Environmental Impact
Genetic Difference in Anacondas
Together with 14 other scientists from nine countries, it was discovered that the largest snake species in the world, the green anaconda, are actually two different species. The green anacondas found in the north of their range in South America – including Venezuela, Suriname, and French Guiana – appear to belong to a completely different species. Although they look almost identical at first glance, the genetic difference between the two is 5.5% which is huge. To put this in perspective, humans and chimpanzees are only genetically different from each other by about 2%.
Environmental Impact
Professor Freek Vonk adds, “The Amazon region is under severe pressure from climate change and continued deforestation. The survival of these iconic giant snakes is inextricably linked to protecting their natural habitat.”
Uncovering New Species and Biodiversity in the Amazon
Professor Jesus Rivas explains that discovering the new species brings the true diversity of South America into light. The Northern Green Anaconda has a much smaller range than the southern anaconda, making it more vulnerable.
International Collaboration
International Collaboration
Over a fifth of the Amazon has already disappeared due to climate change and deforestation. This finding sheds light on the diversity of South America and the importance of international collaboration.
The discovery raised a question – how many other species in the Amazon are still unknown or understudied? The Amazon is a fascinating ecosystem with a complex diversity yet to be fully revealed.