The Amazon Rainforest is now recognized as the home to the world’s largest snake species, a Northern Green Anaconda, which reaches 26 feet and weighs 440 pounds.
Discovery credits go to wildlife expert Professor Freek Vonk, who found the immense snake, its head as large as a human’s.
Footage shows Vonk swimming with the anaconda, a significant find since the Amazon was believed to house only the Giant Anaconda. Recent research in Diversity reveals a new species, the Northern Green Anaconda, genetically 5.5% different from its known counterpart.
This genetic variation is notable, considering the 2% difference between humans and chimpanzees. Named Eunectes Nakajima, this species faces threats from climate change and deforestation.
Lead researcher Professor Jesus Rivas emphasizes the need for habitat conservation for these snakes’ survival.
Spanning 15 years, this research underlines South America’s biodiversity and the potential for undiscovered species.
