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Time of India
a day ago
- Science
- Time of India
Why Snake Island is one of Earth's deadliest places: 4,000 venomous vipers per square metre, even the Navy stays away
Just 33 kilometres off the coast of São Paulo, Brazil, lies a place few dare to approach, Ilha da Queimada Grande , better known as Snake Island. Its nickname isn't just folklore. The island is home to an estimated 2,000–4,000 golden lancehead viper s ( Bothrops insularis ), one of the most venomous snakes in the world. So dangerous is this rocky, forest-covered island that Brazil has banned all public access. Even the Navy only visits once a year, and always with a doctor and antivenom in tow. Where Is Snake Island and Why Are There So Many Snakes? Snake Island is located in the Atlantic Ocean, around 90 km southwest of São Paulo city. Over 11,000 years ago, rising sea levels cut off the hill from mainland Brazil. With no predators and little mammal prey, the isolated population of snakes evolved to hunt birds, especially migratory species. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 10년 묶은 뱃살 안빠진다면 '이것' 하세요 워킹맘 로즈 더 알아보기 Undo To catch their fast-moving prey mid-flight, the golden lancehead evolved venom up to five times more potent than its mainland relatives. A single bite can cause kidney failure, internal bleeding, and tissue necrosis. Meet the Golden Lancehead Viper Scientific Name- Bothrops insularis Average Length- 70–90 cm Venom Strength- ~5x stronger than mainland Bothrops jararaca Main Prey- Migratory birds like the Chilean elaenia IUCN Status- Critically Endangered Despite their lethal bite, there are no verified medical cases of bites on the island—because almost no one is allowed to set foot there. Live Events Why Humans Are Banned from Visiting Snake Island Several reasons justify the strict ban: 1. Human Safety The island's steep cliffs and dense forest, combined with one snake per square metre in some areas, make rescue almost impossible in emergencies. 2. Conservation In the past, wildlife smugglers offered up to Rs 25 lakh ($30,000) per golden lancehead for the exotic pet trade. Poaching has since threatened the snake's survival. 3. Scientific Access Only Only approved herpetologists with federal permits and a medical escort are allowed. They must carry satellite phones and enough antivenom for the entire team. Snake Island Myths and the Real Threats Tales abound of pirates planting snakes to guard treasure, or a lighthouse keeper's family dying mysteriously. But science offers a simpler explanation: isolation, evolution, and bird-based hunting. What's more disturbing are the real threats the golden lancehead faces: Illegal poaching, which damages genetic diversity Shrinking bird populations due to deforestation on the mainland Inbreeding, leading to deformities and lower fertility Some researchers warn that removing just 25–40 snakes per year could drive the species to extinction. Can Tourists Visit Snake Island? No. The Brazilian government has made it illegal for civilians to land on the island. Only approved scientific teams are allowed to enter, and even they face rigorous health and safety checks. What's the Bigger Story Behind Snake Island? Though the island's nickname fuels countless horror stories, its real tale is one of survival. The golden lancehead is critically endangered. While it may seem like a deadly predator, it's the one now fighting to stay alive—battling climate change, habitat loss, and human greed. Ironically, its venom holds potential for treating high blood pressure and other disorders. So, while humans can't visit, saving Snake Island could help save lives. Snake Island FAQs Q1: How many snakes live on Snake Island? Approximately 2,000–4,000 golden lancehead vipers. Q2: Why is the golden lancehead so venomous? To quickly kill birds before they fly away with the snake's only meal. Q3: Can you legally visit with a private boat? No. Only scientists with federal permits and medical support may land. Q4: Does anyone live on the island? No. The lighthouse was automated in the 1920s, and no humans live there. Q5: Is the golden lancehead endangered? Yes. It's listed as Critically Endangered due to poaching and inbreeding. Snake Island may sound like something out of a thriller movie, but it's a very real place with very real stakes. The golden lancehead's home is dangerous to humans, but humans have proven far more dangerous to the snake. Protecting this isolated island is no longer just about avoiding a deadly bite, it's about saving a species on the edge. Inputs from TOI
Indianapolis Star
2 days ago
- Science
- Indianapolis Star
Endangered Siberian tiger cubs undergo first vet exam: See the fuzzy babies
They're furry, they're cute, and they're photo-ready: meet four quadruplet Siberian tiger cubs at an eastern Germany zoo! The cubs, who were born to Siberian tiger Stormi on May 20, 2025, underwent their first veterinary examination on July 14, including vaccinations against cat flu and feline distemper, Zoo Magdeburg shared on social media this week. The cubs were also weighed, microchipped and had their sexes determined. And of course, the public got a closer look at the crew of cubs in adorable first photos. Here's what to know about the Siberian tigers, which are considered endangered, and the zoo's new arrivals. The zoo reported the tigers' stats as: Zoo staff said the cubs will stay in the rear area of their enclosure for about two days to recover from the vaccinations and their first human contact. After that, tigress Stormi will determine when she will let her cubs into the outdoor enclosure for the first time. The zoo said the cubs will likely only be seen rarely for the first few days. The zoo will let visitors know via social media when they are regularly exploring the outdoor enclosure. The cubs are four of five babies Stormi gave birth to in May, the zoo announced on June 4. One of the cubs did not survive when Stormi accidentally laid down on the baby. After the passing of the cub, Stormi continued taking care of the rest calmly and carefully, the zoo said. Siberian tigers are also known as Amur tigers, and they are considered endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). They are the largest feline predators, Zoo Magdeburg said on its website. They are much different from other tiger subspecies like Bengal and Sumatran tiger due to their size, light, long-haired fur, and widely-spaced dark stripes. They can reach over 3.3 feet at the shoulder, and when standing upright, up to 9.8 feet when standing upright, the zoo said. They can weigh over 660 pounds. They often eat deer and wild boars and live about 18 years, but according to the zoo, there are about 300 Siberian tigers left in the wild due to humans destroying their habitats and decades of hunting. Siberian tiger bones and other body parts are used in traditional medicine in Southeast Asia, although there is a general trade ban on tiger products that has been in place since 1987 and no medicinal effects have ever been proven, the zoo said.
Daily Maverick
2 days ago
- Daily Maverick
Maputo National Park declared a Unesco World Heritage Site
The new 154,000ha Maputo heritage park forms an extension to South Africa's 240,000ha iSimangaliso Wetland Park, enlarging the total area of this transboundary world heritage site to almost 400,000ha. Mozambique has received global acclaim for setting aside the Maputo National Park as the country's second World Heritage Site, further strengthening its commitment to conserving a large area of its southern coastline for future generations. The decision was announced in Paris on 13 July 2025 at a meeting of the Unesco World Heritage Committee, which oversees the protection of natural and cultural heritage sites deemed to be of 'outstanding universal value'. The new 154,000ha Maputo heritage park forms an extension of South Africa's 240,000ha iSimangaliso Wetland Park, enlarging the total area of this transboundary world heritage site to almost 400,000ha. It was one of seven new global heritage sites confirmed at the 47th World Heritage Committee meeting in the French capital at the weekend. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has described this extended park as 'one of the most outstanding coastal wetlands in Africa', an area renowned for its scenic beaches, wildlife and wetland areas. The park includes the former Maputo Elephant Reserve, Inhaca Island and the Machangulo Peninsula, and a stretch of ocean from Inhaca to Ponta do Ouro. Since the inception of the World Heritage Convention in 1972, IUCN has been the official advisory body under the World Heritage Convention on natural World Heritage. While world heritage site status adds a further layer of protection for this unique area of land and sea, it remains unclear whether the governments of Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Botswana will now abandon their controversial plan to jointly develop a new deep-water harbour and coal export terminal near Ponta Techobanine. Ponta Techobanine falls within the declared buffer zone of the heritage site. In its nomination papers, the Mozambican government declared that there were 'currently no plans to pursue this (harbour) development'. However, as recently as April, the African Development Bank approved a $3-million reimbursable grant to fund a comprehensive feasibility study for the proposed Techobanine harbour and an upgrade of railway infrastructure linking the three nations. Since 4 July, the African Development Bank has neither acknowledged nor responded to a list of queries from Daily Maverick on its reasons for supporting a new harbour and 30,000ha industrial zone directly in the middle of the newly extended World Heritage Site. Daily Maverick has now sent further questions to the bank's Disclosure and Access to Information (DAI) unit, which was set up in 2013 to ensure public access to information on projects supported by the bank. The bank says that its revised policy 'is premised on the principle of maximum disclosure' of information and that its objective is to ensure that 'most information will systematically be made public'. DM
USA Today
2 days ago
- General
- USA Today
Endangered Siberian tiger cubs undergo first vet exam: See the fuzzy babies
They're furry, they're cute, and they're photo-ready: meet four quadruplet Siberian tiger cubs at an eastern Germany zoo! The cubs, who were born to Siberian tiger Stormi on May 20, 2025, underwent their first veterinary examination on July 14, including vaccinations against cat flu and feline distemper, Zoo Magdeburg shared on social media this week. The cubs were also weighed, microchipped and had their sexes determined. And of course, the public got a closer look at the crew of cubs in adorable first photos. Here's what to know about the Siberian tigers, which are considered endangered, and the zoo's new arrivals. Cubs' mother will decide when they can enter the outdoor enclosure The zoo reported the tigers' stats as: Zoo staff said the cubs will stay in the rear area of their enclosure for about two days to recover from the vaccinations and their first human contact. After that, tigress Stormi will determine when she will let her cubs into the outdoor enclosure for the first time. When can zoo visitors catch a glimpse of the cubs? The zoo said the cubs will likely only be seen rarely for the first few days. The zoo will let visitors know via social media when they are regularly exploring the outdoor enclosure. The cubs are four of five babies Stormi gave birth to in May, the zoo announced on June 4. One of the cubs did not survive when Stormi accidentally laid down on the baby. After the passing of the cub, Stormi continued taking care of the rest calmly and carefully, the zoo said. What to know about Siberian tigers: How many are left? Siberian tigers are also known as Amur tigers, and they are considered endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). They are the largest feline predators, Zoo Magdeburg said on its website. They are much different from other tiger subspecies like Bengal and Sumatran tiger due to their size, light, long-haired fur, and widely-spaced dark stripes. They can reach over 3.3 feet at the shoulder, and when standing upright, up to 9.8 feet when standing upright, the zoo said. They can weigh over 660 pounds. They often eat deer and wild boars and live about 18 years, but according to the zoo, there are about 300 Siberian tigers left in the wild due to humans destroying their habitats and decades of hunting. Siberian tiger bones and other body parts are used in traditional medicine in Southeast Asia, although there is a general trade ban on tiger products that has been in place since 1987 and no medicinal effects have ever been proven, the zoo said. Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at sdmartin@
Hans India
2 days ago
- General
- Hans India
Assam: Critically endangered among 43 grassland bird species spotted in Kaziranga
In a significant development, a recent survey at the famed Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) in Assam recorded a total of 43 grassland bird species, officials announced on Monday. The 43 grassland bird species included one critically endangered, two endangered, and six vulnerable species, along with several species endemic to the region as per the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. KNPTR Director Sonali Ghosh said that the survey, conducted between March 18 and May 25, placed special emphasis on ten focal species that are either globally threatened or endemic to the Brahmaputra floodplains. These threatened or endemic species include, Bengal Florican, Swamp Francolin, Finn's Weaver, Swamp Grass Babbler, Jerdon's Babbler, Slender-billed Babbler, Black-breasted Parrotbill, Marsh Babbler, Bristled Grassbird, and Indian Grassbird. The KNPTR Director said the first grassland bird survey report marked a significant milestone in the documentation and protection of grassland-dependent bird species in the Brahmaputra floodplains. The extensive survey spanned the Eastern Assam, Biswanath, and Nagaon Wildlife Divisions, she said, adding that utilising a combination of point count surveys and passive acoustic monitoring, the initiative represents the first dedicated attempt to assess grassland avifauna across this ecologically critical landscape. Assam's Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary expressed his deep satisfaction over the recording of 43 grassland bird species. In a post on the X, the Minister said: 'Thrilled to share that Kaziranga's first-ever grassland survey has recorded 43 grassland bird species, including one critically endangered, two endangered, and six vulnerable species, plus several regional endemics.' He said: 'The Brahmaputra floodplain ecosystem boasts the highest diversity of grassland obligate birds in India, reflecting the habitat's robust health and effective protection. Our commitment to science-backed management continues strong !' The KNPTR Director Ghosh said that the key highlight of the survey was to find the breeding colony of the endangered Finn's Weaver (Ploceus megarhynchus) at Kaziranga. This remarkable bird (a lifer for many birdwatchers), a master nest-builder atop trees, is a vital indicator of grassland health, the senior Indian Forest Service officer said. According to Ghosh, these species serve as ecological indicators of the health and integrity of floodplain grasslands. Another significance of the outcome of the study was the deployment of passive acoustic recorders, enabling non-invasive and continuous monitoring even in inaccessible or high-risk areas, she said. Ghosh said that the report identifies several critical grassland habitats within Kaziranga that support significant populations of threatened and endemic species. Notably, the discovery of a breeding colony of the Endangered Finn's Weaver in the Kohora Range marks a pivotal finding and reinforces the need for focused habitat protection and management. The report is the result of a collaborative effort by a dedicated team of forest officials, bird experts, scientists, and conservationists, the official said. The survey report was released by Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary in an event at Kaziranga. The Minister appreciated the efforts of the Park authorities to document lesser-known aspects of biodiversity in the Park. The KNPTR Director said that this report represents an important first step in the long-term conservation of grassland birds and emphasised the need for continued ecological monitoring and adaptive management to safeguard these fragile ecosystems. This pioneering work reaffirms Kaziranga's stature not only as a stronghold for charismatic megafauna but also as a critical refuge for avian biodiversity within the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, she stated. The KNPTR, India's seventh UNESCO World Heritage site, comprises three forest divisions -- the Eastern Assam Wildlife Division, Bokakhat; the Bishwanath Wildlife Division, Biswanath Chariali; and the Nagaon Wildlife Division, Nagaon. Home to a remarkable population of the "Big Five," it comprises 2,613 Greater One-horned Rhinoceroses as of the 2022 census, 104 Bengal Tigers in 2022, 1,228 Asian Elephants in 2024, 2,565 Wild Water Buffalos in 2022, and 1,129 Eastern Swamp Deer also recorded in 2022.
