Latest news with #NorthernGreenAnaconda
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
This 500-kilo anaconda discovered in Ecuadorian rainforest is the largest snake ever found
500-kilo anaconda discovered in Ecuadorian In the vast and biodiverse rainforests of the Amazon, nature continues to reveal its remarkable secrets. In 2024, scientists announced the discovery of a new species of anaconda that has stunned the world — a colossal snake weighing up to 500 kilograms (about 1,100 pounds) and stretching an astonishing 7.5 meters (approximately 24.6 feet). Found in Ecuador's Baihuaeri Waorani Territory, this Northern Green Anaconda species not only surpasses the previously known green anaconda in size and weight but also enriches our understanding of Amazonian biodiversity and ecological complexity. This discovery holds immense significance for the scientific community, indigenous peoples, and conservationists alike. It validates long-held indigenous knowledge, highlights urgent conservation needs, and offers fascinating insights into evolutionary biology. Meet the Northern Green Anaconda: The 7.5 meter, 500 kilo giant snake The newly identified Northern Green Anaconda species is a true giant of the snake world. Measuring up to 7.5 meters long and weighing an incredible 500 kilograms, this serpent surpasses the southern green anaconda, once considered the largest snake species on Earth. Its massive size earned it the status of the heaviest and longest snake ever recorded, a feat confirmed through scientific measurement and DNA analysis conducted in 2024. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Viral Video: मृत्यू कसाही येऊ शकतो! सीसीटीव्हीत कैद झाली काळीज पिळवटणारी घटना Latest News Read More Undo This new species' immense power and size underline the ecological importance of anacondas as apex predators within their rainforest habitat, playing a vital role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. Amazon's new anaconda species evolved independently for 10 million years, DNA shows DNA research conducted on the new species reveals it diverged from its closest relative, the southern green anaconda, roughly 10 million years ago. Genetically, it shows a 5.5% difference, a significant gap that confirms it as a distinct species rather than a mere regional variant. This evolutionary split emphasizes the complex biogeographical history of the Amazon rainforest and underscores how isolated populations adapt and evolve independently over millions of years. Understanding these evolutionary pathways helps scientists grasp how environmental changes and geographical barriers shape species diversity. New anaconda species discovery rooted in Waorani indigenous knowledge Long before scientists confirmed this new species, the Waorani indigenous tribe of Ecuador had spoken of enormous snakes measuring up to 7.5 meters. Their oral history and deep connection with the rainforest ecosystem provided crucial clues that guided researchers to the snake's habitat. The Waorani's traditional ecological knowledge, rooted in generations of observation and respect for nature, has now been validated by modern science. This collaboration between indigenous communities and researchers exemplifies the value of combining ancestral wisdom with contemporary methods to uncover and protect biodiversity. How anacondas regulate Amazon wildlife Anacondas play a critical role as apex predators in the Amazon rainforest, regulating prey populations such as deer, capybaras, and even jaguars. Their hunting strategy relies on stealth and immense muscular strength; they constrict prey by squeezing bones with powerful muscles before swallowing them whole. By controlling populations of medium to large-sized mammals, anacondas help maintain the balance within the food web, which supports overall rainforest health and biodiversity. Healthy predator populations are often indicators of thriving ecosystems with clean water and rich flora and fauna diversity. Amazon's biggest snake battles for survival amid human threats Despite their formidable presence, these giant snakes face serious threats. Illegal wildlife trading poses a significant danger as poachers capture and sell exotic animals, including snakes, on black markets. Habitat degradation caused by deforestation, logging, and climate change further threatens their survival by fragmenting their living spaces and disrupting food sources. Scientists urge immediate conservation measures to protect this new species and its rainforest habitat. Preserving large, contiguous forest areas, regulating illegal trade, and incorporating indigenous stewardship are critical steps needed to ensure these majestic snakes continue to thrive. New anaconda species discovered in Ecuador The initial observations of this new anaconda species came from Ecuador's Baihuaeri Waorani Territory, an area known for its rich biodiversity and largely pristine rainforest. Researchers worked closely with local indigenous groups to locate, observe, and capture specimens for scientific study. This collaboration exemplifies how integrating local knowledge with modern science can accelerate discoveries and promote sustainable conservation. The formal scientific verification of the species was a milestone in understanding Amazonian wildlife and enhancing global biodiversity records. What the future holds for the Northern Green Anaconda The discovery of the Northern Green Anaconda is a powerful reminder of the unexplored mysteries still hidden within the Amazon rainforest. However, its future is precarious due to mounting environmental pressures. Conservationists emphasize the importance of continued research, habitat protection, and public awareness to prevent the decline of this species and others sharing the rainforest. The snake's existence also offers valuable opportunities for ecological education, scientific study, and indigenous empowerment, promoting a more holistic approach to wildlife conservation that respects both nature and culture.
India.com
09-05-2025
- Science
- India.com
VIRAL video: Massive Anaconda seen gliding through water in the heart of Amazon rainforest; Viral clip will leave you stunned
VIRAL video: Massive Anaconda seen gliding through water in the heart of Amazon jungle; Viral clip will leave you stunned Just the name Anaconda is enough to give people chills. These snakes are the largest in the world, and their massive size can leave anyone stunned. While many people know about Anacondas, not everyone realizes that there are actually several types of them. Over time, new species and even larger individuals are being discovered. Recently, a gigantic anaconda was spotted deep in the Amazon rainforest. A video has gone viral on social media showing the enormous snake swimming through a canal in the forest, as seen from a helicopter. This incredible footage has once again reminded the world of the mysterious and wild life hidden in the Amazon. Viral video of the Amazon anaconda The short clip only eight seconds long was shared by Dr. Sheetal Yadav on her X (formerly Twitter) account. The video shows a massive black anaconda moving through water, and even though it's filmed from high above, the snake looks incredibly large. Imagine how massive it must look from up close! The sight of the snake has shocked many viewers online. However, not much is known yet about this specific anaconda its exact size, weight, or species has not been officially confirmed. एक बार फिर से अमेजन के जंगलों में बड़े एनाकोंडा सांप को देखा गया। — Dr. Sheetal yadav (@Sheetal2242) May 8, 2025 The longest anaconda ever seen Earlier this year, researchers discovered a new type of anaconda known as the Northern Green Anaconda. It was measured at a stunning 26 feet (almost 8 meters) in length, making it the longest anaconda ever recorded. This snake was found in another part of the Amazon rainforest by a team of scientists. Professor Freek Vonk, who was part of the expedition, even managed to capture a video of the creature. This discovery amazed the scientific world and showed just how many unknown creatures still live in the dense and mysterious jungles of the Amazon.
Indian Express
23-04-2025
- Science
- Indian Express
All about Northern Green Anaconda, the largest living snake in the world that weighs 500 kgs
In 2024, scientists made a staggering discovery deep in the Amazon rainforest—a previously undocumented species of giant anaconda that shattered all known size records. 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.
