World's largest snake species, Northern Green Anaconda, disovered in Amazon

Captivating footage captures the Dutch biologist fearlessly swimming alongside enormous anaconda

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If youre not a fan of snakes look away now. The worlds largest snake has been discovered in the Amazon Rainforest - and at 26ft long and weighing 440lbs, its an absolute whopper.—Jam Press
If you're not a fan of snakes look away now. The world's largest snake has been discovered in the Amazon Rainforest - and at 26ft long and weighing 440lbs, it's an absolute whopper.—Jam Press

The world's largest snake species has been identified in the Amazon Rainforest, measuring an astonishing 26 feet in length and weighing a colossal 440 pounds, Daily Mail reported.

Renowned TV wildlife presenter Professor Freek Vonk made the discovery, encountering the massive Northern Green Anaconda, which boasts a head equivalent in size to that of a human.

Captivating footage captures the Dutch biologist fearlessly swimming alongside the enormous anaconda, showcasing the remarkable find. Previously, the Amazon was thought to host only one species of Green Anaconda, also known as the Giant Anaconda. However, a recent study, detailed in Diversity this month, confirms the existence of a distinct species – the Northern Green Anaconda.

Despite having a head the size of a humans, it seems Professor Vonk, 40, wasnt scared of getting up close and personal with the snake.—Jam Press
Despite having a head the size of a human's, it seems Professor Vonk, 40, wasn't scared of getting up close and personal with the snake.—Jam Press

Professor Vonk, along with an international team of 14 scientists from nine countries, revealed the genetic difference between the two anaconda species to be a substantial 5.5%. 

To underscore the significance, humans and chimpanzees exhibit only a 2% genetic difference. The newly identified species receive the Latin name Eunectes akayima, signifying the Northern Green Anaconda.

Incredible footage shows Dutch biologist, Professor Freek Vonk, swimming next to the enormous anaconda.—Jam Press
Incredible footage shows Dutch biologist, Professor Freek Vonk, swimming next to the enormous anaconda.—Jam Press

Despite this groundbreaking discovery, researchers express concerns about the new species' vulnerability, attributing it to the ongoing threats of climate change and deforestation in the Amazon. 

Professor Jesus Rivas, the lead author of the study, highlighted the imperative role of preserving the natural habitat to ensure the survival of these iconic giant snakes.

This international effort, spanning over 15 years, brings to light the incredible biodiversity of South America and prompts contemplation about the countless undiscovered species dwelling in the region.