Scientists Unveil New Giant Anaconda Species in the Ecuadorian Amazon

March 20, 2024
Scientists Unveil New Giant Anaconda Species in the Ecuadorian Amazon
  • A new species of giant anaconda, the northern green anaconda, has been discovered in the Ecuadorian Amazon by Professor Bryan Fry's team from The University of Queensland.

  • The discovery was facilitated by the Waorani people and is crucial for conservation efforts due to the anaconda's genetic uniqueness.

  • The northern green anaconda genetically diverged from its southern counterpart nearly 10 million years ago, with a genetic difference of 5.5 percent.

  • The research is in collaboration with National Geographic for a Disney+ series and involved genetic comparisons with other green anaconda specimens.

  • Ecological threats to the Amazon, such as deforestation and climate change, pose significant risks to the newly discovered anaconda and other local species.

  • Future research by Professor Fry's team will investigate the impact of heavy metal pollution on the Amazon's ecosystem, particularly focusing on fertility and reproductive biology in snakes and other keystone species.

Summary based on 1 source


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