A groundbreaking discovery has been made in the Amazon rainforest that sounds like something straight out of a Hollywood blockbuster. Scientists have uncovered a colossal northern green anaconda, measuring an astonishing 8 meters (26 feet) in length and weighing a staggering 200 kilograms (440 pounds). This behemoth has not only shattered size records but has also been identified as a completely new species, distinct from its southern relative.
The find was made during a National Geographic expedition for the upcoming Disney+ series “Pole to Pole with Will Smith.” Dutch biologist Professor Freek Vonk from the University of Amsterdam, along with a team of 14 other scientists from nine countries, encountered this slithering giant in the shallows of unspecified waters in the Ecuadorian Amazon.
Study co-author Bryan Fry from the University of Queensland described the encounter, saying, “The size of these magnificent creatures was incredible — one female anaconda we encountered measured an astounding 6.3 meters long.” Even more intriguing, Dr. Fry added, “There are anecdotal reports from the Waorani people of other anacondas in the area measuring more than 7.5 meters long and weighing around 500 kilograms.”
Genetic analysis revealed that this wasn’t just an unusually large green anaconda, but a new species altogether. Named Eunectes akayima, meaning “great snake” in a local indigenous language, this northern green anaconda diverged from its southern occurred between 5 and 20 million years ago, during the Miocene epoch. This split is thought to have been caused by the rise of the Vaupés Arch, a geographical barrier that separated populations in the Proto-Orinoco and Proto-Amazon river basins.
The genetic difference between the two species is substantial, with Professor Fry explaining, “Think humans and chimps — they’re 2% different. These anacondas? A whopping 5.5%!”
Despite its massive size, the northern green anaconda is an ambush predator, spending most of its time submerged in shallow waters of swamps and rivers. They overpower their victims through bone-crushing constriction before swallowing them whole.
However, this exciting discovery comes with a sobering reminder of the challenges facing the Amazon ecosystem. Professor Vonk warns, “The Amazon is under immense pressure. With over 20% of the rainforest already gone, the survival of these iconic giants hangs in the balance.” Climate change and human activities like deforestation and oil drilling pose significant threats to this newly discovered species and countless others that call the Amazon home.
With a smaller range than its southern cousin, the northern green anaconda faces higher risks from these threats. Researchers estimate that 20 to 31 percent of its habitat has already been lost to deforestation, a figure that could reach 40 percent by 2050.
That said, the discovery ignites excitement about what other hidden wonders might be lurking in the depths of this vast ecosystem. As lead author Jesus Rivas reflects, “Studying anacondas for 32 years, this discovery opens the door to countless possibilities. How many more species are waiting to be found?”
The new anaconda species was described in a study published in MDPI Diversity, marking a significant milestone in our understanding of these magnificent creatures and the fragile ecosystem they inhabit.
