Scientists Discover Colossal Beast in the Depths of the Amazon River, Say It Is the Largest Snake Species in the World

A giant northern green anaconda, weighing 200 kg (440 pounds) and measuring eight meters in length, was found deep in the Amazon rainforest, according to The Sun in February 2024. This big reptile, whose head is as big as a human head and whose body is as thick as a car tire, belongs to a species never known to this world as the biggest snake in the world. Dutch scientist, Professor Freek Vonk, along with 14 other researchers from nine countries, made this discovery of a lifetime to change our understanding of the legendary creatures.

"Even though they look almost identical to the eye, the genetic difference between the two is 5.5%, and that is huge," according to Professor Vonk in the viral social media announcement he made, according to Lad Bible. To put this genetic variation in perspective, consider that humans and chimpanzees differ by only about 2%. Eunectes akayima, or the Northern Green Anaconda, is found in northern regions of South America throughout Venezuela, Suriname, and French Guyana. Its name "akayima" comes from several indigenous languages of northern South America and means "great snake," reflecting the great size of the creature, stated The Sun.

The discovery came to light during an extraordinary expedition that included filming for National Geographic's series 'Pole to Pole with Will Smith' as per CNN. A University of Queensland-led team, spearheaded by Professor Bryan Fry, ventured into the Ecuadorian Amazon upon invitation from the Waorani people, who spoke about anacondas "rumored to be the largest in existence." During their 10-day expedition in the Bameno region of Baihuaeri Waorani Territory, several anacondas were encountered in the shallows of the river. "The size of these magnificent creatures was incredible – one female anaconda we encountered measured an astounding 6.3 meters long," Professor Fry reported, as per CNN.

Locals said that even more specimens existed in the area, with lengths reaching 7.5 meters and weighing up to 500 kg (1102 pounds). Professor Jesus Rivas, the lead author of the study published in the scientific journal 'Diversity,' said the discovery was the result of 15 years of research. He and his wife, Dr. Sarah Corey-Rivas, worked together to examine samples from different parts of the country before they finally discovered this new species' unique genetic profile. The international collaboration included researchers from more than eight countries: Belgium, Australia, the Netherlands, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, the United States, Ecuador, and Venezuela.

The findings have sounded an urgent call for conservation in the Amazon. According to Vonk, more than one-fifth of the Amazon has already been cleared out—an area about thirty times bigger than the size of the Netherlands. "The survival of these iconic giant snakes is inseparable to protecting their natural habitat," he stated, pointing at the growing threats coming from climate change and deforestation, according to the Lad Bible.