A team of researchers led by biologist Professor Freek Vonk made a discovery deep within the Amazon rainforest in 2024. Diving into the depths of a secluded lake in Brazil, the team uncovered a colossal creature: a new species of green anaconda measuring approximately eight meters in length and weighing over 200 kilograms. According to El Tiempo, the enormous snake reignited concerns about the environmental pressures on the Amazon.
"Together with 14 other scientists from nine countries, I have discovered a new species of snake from the Amazon. A huge snake. We have discovered that green anacondas are actually two species," said Vonk, according to a report by LadBible.
Until now, only one species of green anaconda had been recognized in the Amazon. The new species, Eunectes akayima, has a 5.5% genetic difference from the familiar Vonk said, "although at first glance they look almost identical."
"To put this in clearer perspective: humans and chimpanzees differ genetically by only about 2 percent from each other," he added.
הצגת פוסט זה באינסטגרם
The colossal snake found by the team has been hailed as one of the largest specimens ever recorded. "The biggest anaconda I've ever seen can be seen in the video, as thick as a car tire, eight meters long and over 200 kg heavy – with a head as big as my head. From total awe and admiration a 'monster'!" exclaimed Vonk, according to LadBible. "I've discovered a new species before, but that was a small snake from Australia. Now it's about a mythical and legendary animal!," Vonk added.
The discovery has not only excited herpetologists but has also captivated thousands on social media. The footage of the giant anaconda, shared by Vonk with his Instagram followers, reveals the terrifyingly large size of the reptile. The video shows Vonk swimming within breathing distance of the giant snake.
The Amazon rainforest, internationally known for being the largest tropical forest in the world and spanning nine countries in South America, is losing its biodiversity at an alarming rate.
Vonk emphasized the urgency of conservation efforts. "More than a fifth of the Amazon has already disappeared, which is more than 30 times the area of the Netherlands. The survival of these legendary giant snakes is inseparable from the protection of their natural habitat," stressed Vonk.
In March, the enormous snake appeared dead in the Bonito River. Vonk explained to his followers that, according to the police report, no concrete evidence had been found that the northern green anaconda had been killed by a human being.
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