Summary (tl;dr)

Scientists have discovered a new species of giant anaconda in the Amazon rainforest, challenging previous understanding of these massive snakes and captivating global attention with recently released footage.

Essential Background

For decades, green anacondas were believed to belong to a single species, Eunectes murinus, known as the southern green anaconda, found across various parts of South America. These formidable reptiles are recognized as the world's heaviest snakes, and among the longest.

The Full Story

An international team of 15 scientists from nine countries, in collaboration with Indigenous Waorani people, has recently unveiled a new species of giant anaconda, named Eunectes akayima, or the northern green anaconda. This discovery, stemming from genetic research initiated in 2022 and formally announced in early 2024, reveals that the northern green anaconda diverged from its southern counterpart nearly 10 million years ago, with a significant 5.5% genetic difference. The news is trending particularly now due to the release of never-before-seen footage of the discovery, which features venom expert Bryan Fry and actor Will Smith encountering a large female northern green anaconda, estimated to be 16 to 17 feet long, in the Ecuadorian Amazon. One individual found, named "Ana Julia," measured an astounding 20.7 feet (6.3 meters) and weighed 441 pounds, cementing its status as a contender for the largest snake ever scientifically verified. This footage is part of an upcoming National Geographic docuseries, "Pole to Pole with Will Smith."

Why It Matters

The identification of Eunectes akayima fundamentally shifts the scientific understanding of anaconda taxonomy and highlights the vast, unexplored biodiversity within the Amazon. The genetic divergence between the two green anaconda species is more than twice that between humans and chimpanzees, underscoring the remarkable evolutionary history of these creatures. This discovery is also critical for conservation, as the newly recognized northern green anaconda faces severe threats from habitat degradation due to deforestation, hunting, and pollution from oil spills, which not only endanger the species but also affect Indigenous communities in the region. Understanding these distinct species allows for more targeted and effective conservation strategies to protect these apex predators and their vital ecosystems.

Geographic Location

• Baihuaeri Waorani Territory, Bameno region, Ecuadorian Amazon, Ecuador (discovery of the northern green anaconda and filming of National Geographic series)