A brand new species of the most important snake on this planet has been found within the Amazon rainforest.
The large creature was ‘as thick as a car’ tire and weighed greater than 200kg, in accordance with scientist Professor Freek Vonk who was a type of who found the creature. You can see the whopper snake right here:
Pretty spectacular, eh?
Sharing the video on his Instagram web page, Professor Vonk: “Together with 14 other scientists from nine countries I have described a NEW snake species from the Amazon today. And not just one. A massive snake!
“We’ve discovered that the largest snake species in the world, the green anaconda – as we all know it from the movies and all the stories about giant snakes – actually consists of two different species!
“The green anacondas that occur in the northern part of their range in South America (including Venezuela, Suriname, and French Guyana) turn out to be a completely different species!
“Even though they look almost identical to the eye, the genetic difference between the two is 5.5%, and that is huge.
“To put this in perspective: humans and chimps are genetically different only about 2% from each other.”
Instagram/@freekvonk
He went on to say that the one within the video was the most important he’d ever laid eyes on, as he shared particulars of unbelievable dimension.
He continued: “The biggest anaconda I’ve ever seen can be seen in the video, as thick as a car tire, eight meters long and over 200 kg heavy – with a head as big as my head. From total awe and admiration a ‘monster’!
“I’ve discovered a new species before, but that was a small snake from Australia. Now it’s about a mythical and legendary animal!
“Definitely one of the highlights of my scientific career. Also because this snake can be found in the Amazon, a place that feels like home to me.”
Instagram/@freekvonk
The Dutch Professor, who can also be a TV presenter, used the uncover to spotlight the impression of local weather change on the world that it was discovered, saying that it was ‘heavily under pressure from climate change and the ever-lasting deforestation of primary rainforest’.
He added: “Already over a fifth of the Amazon has disappeared, that’s more than 30x the area of the Netherlands.
“The survival of these iconic giant snakes is inseparable to protecting their natural habitat. This study highlights how efficient we need to be on our largest tropical rainforest in the world.”
Featured Image Credit: Instagram/@freekvonk
Topics: Science, Environment, Amazon
