WORLD'S BIGGEST SNAKE FOUND IN AMAZON RAINFOREST: NORTHERN GREEN ANACONDA

About Green Anaconda

A team of scientists has discovered a new species of green anaconda in the Amazon rainforest. One of the scientists has recorded a video of a 26-feet-long green anaconda, believed to be the biggest snake in the world.

1. The species was found during filming for the National Geographics Disney+ series 'Pole to Pole' with Will Smith.
2. The newly identified species is called the "northern green anaconda" and coexists with the previously known "southern green anaconda."

1. The known species is identified as the "southern green anaconda" (Eunectes murinus) and inhabits regions such as Perú, Bolivia, French Guiana, and Brazil.
2. The newly recognized species is called the "northern green anaconda" (Eunectes akayima) and is distributed across Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Trinidad, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana.
3. Despite their size, green anacondas are non-venomous and use large, flexible jaws to capture and crush prey.
4. Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN) and CITES Appendix II.

3. Genetic analysis revealed a significant 5.5% genetic difference between the two anaconda species, which is higher than the genetic difference between humans and apes (2%).
4. Historically, 4 distinct anaconda species, including green anaconda, were recognized.
5. Green anacondas, known as the world's largest snakes, are well-adapted to aquatic life, with nostrils and eyes on top of their heads.
6. The largest females can grow over 7 meters long and weigh more than 250 kilograms.
7. The genetic split between these two anaconda species occurred approximately 10 million years ago.
8. These snakes are ovoviviparous, meaning that they give birth to live young instead of laying eggs.

Feature	Southern Green Anaconda (Eunectes murinus)	Northern Green Anaconda (Eunectes akayima)
Habitat	Peru, Bolivia, French Guiana, Brazil	Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Trinidad, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana
Appearance	Olive-colored with large black spots	Similar to Southern Green Anaconda
Size	Up to 7 meters long, 250+ kg	Likely similar to Southern Green Anaconda
Ecological role	Apex predator, maintains ecosystem balance	Likely similar to Southern Green Anaconda
Genetic difference	5.5% divergence from Northern Green Anaconda	5.5% divergence from Southern Green Anaconda
Threats	Habitat loss, climate change, pollution	Similar but specific threats need investigation

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