Giant Anaconda Species, Northern Green Anaconda, Discovered in Ecuador’s Amazon
A team of scientists from The University of Queensland has captured what is believed to be the largest anaconda species in the world deep in the Amazon of Ecuador. The creature has been named the northern green anaconda (Eunectes akayima). Led by professor Bryan Fry, the team made the groundbreaking discovery while filming the National Geographic series “Pole to Pole with Will Smith,” currently streaming on Disney+.
According to Fry, the key to understanding this discovery lies in the difference in the geographic range of the anaconda species. The green anaconda, found in the larger basin in the south (Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, and parts of French Guiana), is the ancestor of the newly discovered northern green anaconda, which inhabits the smaller basin in the north (Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad, Venezuela, and parts of French Guiana).
During their exploration, the team encountered an extraordinary female anaconda measuring a staggering 6.3 meters (20.8 feet) in length. This only scratched the surface of what the indigenous Huaorani people, who aided the scientists, informed them about. There are anecdotal reports of even larger anacondas in the area, with lengths exceeding 7.5 meters (24.6 feet) and weighing around 500 kilograms (1,102 pounds).
The invitation extended by Huaorani Chief Penti Baihua to enter the Baihuaeri Huaorani Territory in the Ecuadorian Amazon was a rare privilege. This marked one of the few times the tribe had granted access since their first contact in 1958. Chief Baihua guided the team on a 10-day search for the anacondas, revealing their sacred importance to the Huaorani people.
Genetic analysis conducted by Fry’s team shows a 5.5% difference between the two species. Fry compares this significant divergence to the 2% variation between humans and chimpanzees. These findings have been detailed in the scientific paper MDPI Diversity.
While this discovery is undoubtedly a momentous occasion, Fry’s work in this region is far from over. The team aims to monitor the reproductive behavior of the northern green anaconda to gain a deeper understanding of the overall health of the delicate ecosystem. Exploring the impact of pollutants such as cadmium and lead, caused by frequent oil spills in the Yasuni Amazon, also remains a priority.
Fry emphasizes the importance of unraveling the long-term consequences of metal exposure on Amazonian wildlife’s endocrine systems. By tracing the pathways of these contaminants using cutting-edge techniques and analyzing soil, water, and biological samples, Fry hopes to devise strategies to mitigate their effects.
Despite the uncertain future of this newly discovered species, the journey through the Amazon jungle has been an awe-inspiring experience for Fry and his team. “This discovery is the highlight of my career,” Fry expressed. The wonder they encountered along the way, even in the face of challenges, fueled their determination to protect and understand the unique creatures that call the Amazon home.
Analyst comment
Positive news: The discovery of the northern green anaconda species is groundbreaking and holds significant scientific value. This will likely spark further research and conservation efforts in the Amazon region. The market for environmental research and conservation could see growth opportunities.
