Scientists from the University of Queensland have made an exciting discovery in the Amazon rainforest – a new species of snake that is rumored to be the largest in the world. The team was invited by the Waorani people to search for the undocumented northern green anaconda, known for its massive size. Led by Professor Bryan Fry, the team embarked on a 10-day expedition to the Baihuaeri Waorani Territory in Ecuador.
During their expedition, the team encountered several anacondas lurking in the shallows, patiently waiting for their prey. The size of these creatures was truly astonishing, with one female anaconda measuring a staggering 6.3 meters (20.7 feet) long. The team also heard anecdotal evidence of even larger snakes, reaching up to 7.5 meters (24.6 feet) in length and weighing 500 kilograms (1,100 pounds).
Green anacondas, known as the world’s heaviest snakes, are non-venomous constrictors found in warm parts of South America. While they may not be venomous, their sheer size and strength make them formidable predators. The UK’s Natural History Museum states that the heaviest recorded green anaconda weighed 227 kilograms (500 pounds) and measured 8.43 meters (27.7 feet) long and 1.11 meters (3.6 feet) wide.
Interestingly, the newly discovered northern green anaconda species diverged from the southern green anaconda around 10 million years ago. Genetic analysis revealed a 5.5% difference between the two species, which is quite significant. To put it into perspective, humans differ from chimpanzees by only about 2%. These findings were published in the journal MDPI Diversity.
The team’s research goes beyond simply discovering a new species of snake. They aim to use the genetics of the green anaconda as an indicator species for assessing the health of ecosystems. With the Amazon facing numerous threats, including deforestation, habitat degradation, forest fires, drought, and climate change, it is crucial to monitor the well-being of species like the anacondas that exist in these rare ecosystems.
Professor Fry warns that the deforestation of the Amazon basin for agricultural expansion has already resulted in a significant loss of habitat, estimated to be between 20-31%. If this continues, up to 40% of the Amazon’s forests could be impacted by 2050. This poses a grave threat to the survival of rare species like the green anaconda.
The discovery of this new species of snake highlights the importance of preserving the Amazon rainforest and its unique biodiversity. It serves as a reminder of the incredible wonders that can still be found in our world, even in well-explored regions like the Amazon. As scientists continue to uncover new species and understand their genetic makeup, we gain valuable insights into the delicate balance of our ecosystems and the urgent need for conservation efforts.
