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Researchers have identified a newly unidentified type of enormous anaconda in the Amazon region. According to their findings, this species can reach lengths of up to 7.5m and weigh nearly 500kg, making it the biggest and heaviest snake ever documented.
Up to this point, there were four types of anacondas identified, with the biggest one being the green anaconda. They can be found in the tropical regions of South America, specifically in the Amazon, Orinoco, and Esequibo river basins, as well as smaller waterways.
These anacondas, found in the rivers and wetlands of South America, are well known for their lightning speed and ability to squeeze the life out of prey by coiling around, asphyxiating them, and swallowing them whole.
A recently published study spanning several decades has determined that the green anaconda is actually comprised of two distinct genetic species.
Scientists collaborating with the native Waorani community caught and examined multiple examples of the recently dubbed northern green anaconda (Eunectes akayima) in the Bameno area of Baihuaeri Waorani Territory in the Amazon rainforest of Ecuador.
The discovery of the species occurred while filming for National Geographic’s Disney+ show, Pole to Pole with Will Smith.
Researchers are administering snake venom to horses in order to create a potential treatment for human use.
Researchers recorded multiple anacondas of a newly identified species “hiding in the shallow waters, patiently waiting for prey” while traveling down the Amazon river in canoes.
“The sheer size of these impressive animals was astounding. According to co-author Bryan Fry from the University of Queensland, one female anaconda we came across measured a remarkable 6.3 meters in length,” stated Fry in a press release. “The Waorani people have shared stories of other anacondas in the region that have been reported to be over 7.5 meters in length and weighing approximately 500 kilograms,” Dr. Fry added.
is a group of male and female Green Anacondas that come together for breeding purposes.
A breeding ball of Eunectes akayima consists of a collection of male and female Green Anacondas joining for the purpose of reproduction.
The latest discovery, featured in the publication Diversity, evolved separately from the already identified southern green anaconda approximately 10 million years ago. Genetically, it differs from the previous species by 5.5 percent.
To provide context, the genetic makeup of humans and chimpanzees only differ by approximately 2%.
(Eunectes murinus) is a large, non-venomous snake found in South America.
The northern green anaconda, also known as Eunectes murinus, is a big non-poisonous serpent native to the continent of South America.
Researchers say that the discovery is crucial for protecting anacondas, as they serve as top predators and play a crucial role in keeping their ecosystems in balance.
According to scientists, a thriving population of anacondas indicates a healthy ecosystem with plentiful food sources and unpolluted water. Conversely, a decrease in anaconda numbers may be a sign of environmental problems.
(Eunectes murinus) is a large, non-venomous snake found in the Amazon rainforest.
The Amazon rainforest is home to the northern green anaconda (Eunectes murinus), a large snake that is not venomous.
Researchers emphasize the importance of identifying and tracking the various species of anaconda for effective management, according to The Conversation.
The habitats of anacondas are facing growing danger due to land fragmentation caused by industrialized farming, forest fires, dry spells, changing climate, and pollution from heavy metals that are associated with oil extraction spills.
Dr. Fry stated that it is crucial to study the impact of petrochemicals from oil spills on the fertility and reproductive biology of these endangered snakes.
Source: independent.co.uk
