If you are ophiophobic (i.e. snake phobic), move on! Scientists have just revealed that they have identified a new species of green anaconda, the heaviest species of snake in the world. The study was published in the journal Diversityand detailed in an article by The Conversation.
What are the characteristics of the green anaconda?
The anaconda is a snake belonging to the order of squamates, and to the family of Boidae (boas). Four species were previously historically recognized: the green anaconda (Eunectes murinus), the Bolivian anaconda (Eunectes beniensis), the yellow anaconda (Eunectes notaeus) and the dark-spotted anaconda (Eunectes deschauenseei).
The green anaconda (or giant anaconda) lives up to its name, since it can reach 8.5 m, weighing more than 230 kg, and almost a meter in circumference at the belly level. This also makes it the heaviest snake in the world. Note that females are much larger than males.
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The longest snakes in the world
A very good swimmer, this large semi-aquatic reptile is found in the rivers and wetlands of South America. A constrictor, it wraps itself around its victim – often very large (such as capybaras, caimans, even jaguars). It then tightens its powerful rings to suffocate it, exerting a pressure of 2 kg per square centimeter. It then swallows its prey starting with the head.
An extraordinary discovery
But it seems, despite its large size, that the green anaconda has not revealed all its secrets. There would thus exist not one, but two genetically distinct species of this giant snake.
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Little research has been done on the genetic differences between anaconda species, so the study authors wanted to fill this knowledge gap. They studied representative samples of all anaconda species throughout their distribution over nearly 20 years, in nine countries, which allowed them to arrive at this major discovery.
“The green anaconda has long been considered one of the most fearsome and mysterious animals ofAmazon. Our new research shakes up the scientific understanding of this magnificent creature, revealing that they are actually two genetically different species. This surprising discovery opens a new chapter in the conservation of this main predator of the jungle. reveals in The Conversation Bryan G. Fry, professor of toxicology at the University of Queensland, and co-author of the study.
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“My colleagues and I were shocked to discover significant genetic differences between the two anaconda species. Given that the reptile is such a large vertebrate, it is remarkable that this difference has gone unnoticed until now.”
5.5% genetic divergence
The first species of green anaconda – the known species (Eunectes murinus) – lives in Peru, Bolivia, French Guiana and Brazil. It was named “southern green anaconda” by scientists. The second species, the newly identified one, is found in Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Trinidad, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana. It was named “northern green anaconda” (Eunectes akayima).
But that’s not all : “We also identified the period during which the green anaconda diverged into two species: almost 10 million years ago, says Bryan G. Fry. The two species appear almost identical and no obvious geographic barriers exist to separate them. But their level of genetic divergence – 5.5% – is staggering. For comparison, the genetic difference between humans and apes is about 2%.”.
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Before concluding : “Conservation strategies for green anacondas now need to be reassessed, to help each unique species cope with threats, such as climate change, habitat degradation and pollution. The findings also show the urgent need for better understanding the diversity of animal and plant species on Earth before it is too late”.
This article was originally published on February 23.