All about Northern Green Anaconda, the largest living snake in the world that weighs 500 kgs
Named the Northern Green Anaconda (Eunectes akayima), this reptilian behemoth can grow up to 7.5 meters (24.6 feet) in length and weigh an astonishing 500 kilograms (1,100 pounds). With these dimensions, it is now officially the world's largest and heaviest snake ever recorded.
Before this discovery, the Green Anaconda (Eunectes murinus) was considered the world's largest snake, but the Northern Green Anaconda surpasses it in size and mass. For comparison:
Length: Up to 7.5 meters (24.6 feet) (with confirmed sightings of a 6.3-meter specimen)
Weight: Estimated to reach 500 kilograms (1,100 pounds)
Girth: Exceptionally thick, allowing it to swallow large mammals whole
Bite Force: Extremely powerful, but primarily relies on muscular constriction to subdue prey
(Source: Wikimedia Commons)
A predator unlike any other
These Amazonian giants are apex predators, capable of taking down deer, capybaras, caimans, and even jaguars. Their hunting technique combines stealth, raw strength, and lightning-fast reflexes. The Northern Green Anaconda lurks in murky waters, waiting patiently before ambushing prey. Once it strikes, it coils around its victim, applying pressure strong enough to stop the heart and crush bones, before swallowing the prey whole.
The Northern Green Anaconda was first encountered in 2024 in the Bameno region of Baihuaeri Waorani Territory, located deep within the Ecuadorian Amazon. Working alongside the indigenous Waorani people, scientists captured and studied several specimens, confirming they belonged to an entirely new species.
The momentous discovery occurred while filming National Geographic's Disney+ series Pole to Pole with Will Smith. Researchers navigating the Amazon's intricate waterways reported spotting several of these massive serpents lurking just beneath the surface.
'The size of these magnificent creatures was incredible—one female we encountered measured 6.3 meters (20.7 feet) long,' Dr Bryan Fry, a herpetologist from the University of Queensland, told The Independent at the time. 'There are anecdotal reports from the Waorani people of even larger specimens, surpassing 7.5 meters and weighing close to 500 kilograms.'
A 10-million-year evolutionary split
Published in Diversity, the study revealed that the Northern Green Anaconda diverged from its southern counterpart approximately 10 million years ago. DNA analysis found a 5.5% genetic difference between the two species—a striking contrast, given that humans and chimpanzees differ by only about 2%.
This discovery is critical for conservation efforts. Anacondas play a vital role in regulating the populations of their prey and maintaining a balanced ecosystem. Their presence is an indicator of a healthy rainforest with clean water and abundant food sources.
However, threats such as habitat destruction, illegal wildlife trade, and climate change could put this newly discovered species at risk. Scientists now urge for stronger conservation protections to safeguard these giants of the Amazon for future generations.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
14 hours ago
- Time of India
Russia's earthquake highlights Pacific Ring of Fire risks: Why this seismic zone is the world's deadliest
The Pacific Ring of Fire, a horseshoe-shaped seismic belt encircling the Pacific Ocean, is one of Earth's most active geological regions. Home to hundreds of millions of people, it stretches across bustling megacities and remote mountain towns, uniting them under a common geological destiny. Shaped by powerful tectonic plate movements, it is responsible for some of the world's largest earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis. From Japan to Chile, and from Alaska to New Zealand, this seismic hotspot has produced catastrophic events, prompting global scientific collaborations aimed at understanding its behaviour and reducing risks. Here is an in-depth look at its origin, impact, and importance. Earthquake in Russia's Kamchatka : What is the Pacific Ring of Fire and why it is prone to quakes and tsunamis The Pacific Ring of Fire is not an official scientific term but rather a widely accepted description for a chain of active volcanoes and fault lines surrounding the Pacific Ocean. This zone covers a 40,000-kilometre horseshoe-shaped area, touching countries like Japan, Indonesia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Alaska, the US West Coast, and South America's Pacific edge. Volcanic activity: Around 75% of Earth's active volcanoes are located here. Earthquake frequency: Nearly 90% of the world's earthquakes occur in this seismic belt. Its geological activity is primarily driven by subduction zones, where one tectonic plate slides beneath another, creating intense seismic stress. Major disasters along the Pacific Ring of Fire you should know about The Ring of Fire has been the epicenter of several historic disasters: 2011 Japan Earthquake & Fukushima Disaster: Triggered a massive tsunami and nuclear accident. 1960 Great Chilean Earthquake: The strongest earthquake ever recorded (magnitude 9.5). 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake & Tsunami: Killed over 230,000 people across 14 countries. 1964 Alaska Earthquake: One of North America's most powerful seismic events. These events underline the catastrophic potential of this geological zone and the urgent need for early warning systems. Source: National Geographic Why is the Pacific Ring of Fire so active and prone to earthquakes and Tsunamis The Pacific Plate, Earth's largest tectonic plate, is surrounded by several smaller plates. Most boundaries within the Ring of Fire are subduction zones, where plates collide and one sinks beneath the other. These movements generate: Earthquakes: Sudden fault slips release immense energy, shaking entire regions. Volcanic eruptions: Melting rock from subduction forms magma, fueling volcanoes. Tsunamis: Seafloor displacement can create waves traveling across oceans in minutes. According to Michael Blanpied of the US Geological Survey, 'The Pacific is unique in that it's completely ringed by highly active tectonic boundaries.' Global seismic networks and records improve earthquake and Tsunami preparedness Advances in seismic monitoring have transformed how we understand the Ring of Fire. A global network of sensors now provides near-instant earthquake detection and tsunami alerts. Nations along the Ring of Fire share seismic data and disaster strategies to minimize damage and save lives. Anna Kaiser, a seismologist, emphasizes international cooperation: 'It's really important as scientists for us to collaborate and learn from other parts of the world and particularly around the Pacific. ' Studying ancient earthquake and tsunami records helps scientists estimate future risks. Historical data, such as pre-1900 tsunami records in Indonesia, provide insight into the 'seismic rhythm' of faults. As historian Anthony Reid explains, understanding past seismic patterns helps predict future catastrophic events, even if precise forecasting remains elusive.
Indian Express
a day ago
- Indian Express
This bird can go days without ever flapping its wings
When it comes to sheer wingspan, no bird matches the majestic Wandering Albatross (Diomedea exulans). Known for its near-mythical status among seabirds, this gentle giant of the Southern Ocean holds the title for the largest wingspan in the world, stretching up to an astonishing 3.5 metres (11.5 feet). Imagine a bird so wide-winged that it can glide over vast oceans without flapping its wings for hours, sometimes even days. The Wandering Albatross does exactly that. With its expansive wings, it rides the fierce southern winds in a flight style called dynamic soaring, making use of the wind gradients over the waves. This technique allows it to cover mind-boggling distances; some individuals have been recorded circumnavigating the entire Southern Ocean during a single feeding trip. These seabirds spend most of their lives in flight, only returning to land to breed on remote sub-Antarctic islands. Their lifespan? Often more than 50 years, with some individuals known to live even longer. It's said that they fall in love for life, forming lifelong pair bonds, a romantic notion that has inspired sailors and poets alike. But their incredible wingspan is not just for show. The vast reach of their wings is a survival tool, allowing them to glide over roaring oceans with minimal effort. This efficiency helps them forage across vast stretches of the sea, searching for squid, fish, and krill. As National Geographic points out, this remarkable energy-saving flight is what allows them to thrive in some of the most remote and challenging parts of our planet. Sadly, despite their almost mythical endurance, Wandering Albatrosses face real threats. Longline fishing, which unintentionally hooks these birds as they swoop for bait, is a major cause of declining numbers. Climate change and shifting marine ecosystems add to their challenges. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), they are now listed as a vulnerable species, highlighting the urgent need for global conservation efforts. For many, the image of the Wandering Albatross soaring over the southern seas symbolises freedom and resilience. But it also reminds us of the delicate balance of life on Earth, and how even the mightiest can be fragile in the face of human impact.
Time of India
23-07-2025
- Time of India
Researchers uncover startling new clue in the hunt for Parkinson's cause
Parkinson's disease affects more than 10 million people around the world. It's a progressive brain disorder that causes symptoms like shaking, slow movement, stiff muscles, and balance problems. Doctors still don't know the exact cause of Parkinson's. They believe it happens due to a mix of genetic and environmental factors. Scientists from Northwestern University have now found a possible new clue. They discovered a virus called Human Pegivirus (HPgV) in the brains of people who had Parkinson's. HPgV is a common virus that usually causes no symptoms. But researchers think it might have a hidden role in triggering Parkinson's, as per the National Geographic report. What the study found The study tested brain samples from 10 people who had Parkinson's after death, and also from 14 people without Parkinson's, matched by age and gender. HPgV was found in 5 of the Parkinson's brains — but in none of the control brains. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 15 Most Beautiful Female Athletes in the World Click Here Undo ALSO READ: 9 guilt-free midnight snacks that will satisfy your cravings and still let you sleep To support their findings, scientists also tested blood from people in different stages of Parkinson's. They found that those who had both Parkinson's and HPgV had lower levels of an inflammatory protein called IL-4. IL-4 can either increase or decrease inflammation depending on the situation, as stated by the National Geographic report. Live Events Patients with a Parkinson's-related gene mutation reacted differently to HPgV. Their immune systems responded in a unique way compared to patients without that mutation. This shows a possible link between genes and the environment, says Dr. Margaret Ferris, a neurologist from Stanford University who wasn't involved in the study. Viruses may play a bigger role than we thought Parkinson's is very hard to study because it develops slowly over many years. It's tough to detect in early stages or predict who will get it. There doesn't seem to be a single cause for Parkinson's disease. 'It is likely multifactorial,' says Dr. William Ondo, a neurologist from Houston Methodist Hospital. He explains that different people might have different triggers, as per the National Geographic report. Every patient may follow a different path to developing Parkinson's. 'Everyone is on their own path,' says Dr. Erin Furr-Stimming from UTHealth Houston. Viruses and brain disorders might be more connected than we thought. Past studies show that viral infections may trigger diseases like Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's. How viruses might harm the brain For example, Epstein-Barr virus was recently linked to multiple sclerosis. Other viruses like West Nile virus and Japanese Encephalitis virus have also caused Parkinson-like symptoms. Inflammation in the brain can lead to brain disorders, according to the National Geographic report. ALSO READ: Macron sues Candace Owens over shocking allegations that France's first lady was born male 'Any amount of inflammation in the brain can trigger a number of cascades that lead to the loss of normal brain function,' says Dr. Barbara Hanson, co-author of the study. Viral infections might cause neurodegeneration in multiple ways — They could directly damage brain cells or cause misfolded proteins to build up, which harms the brain. But the study doesn't prove that HPgV causes Parkinson's. It just shows a possible connection that needs to be researched further. 'This is not a cause-and-effect discovery,' says Dr. Joseph Jankovic from Baylor College of Medicine. He says the study should be repeated with more patients to confirm the results, as stated by National Geographic. FAQs Q1. Can a virus cause Parkinson's disease? Scientists found a virus (HPgV) in Parkinson's patients' brains, but it's not proven that the virus causes the disease. Q2. What virus was found in Parkinson's patients' brains? Researchers found Human Pegivirus (HPgV) in the brains of some people with Parkinson's, suggesting a possible link.
