New Anaconda Species Discovered in Amazon, Highlights Biodiversity and Conservation Challenges

Scientists uncover a previously unknown giant anaconda species, emphasizing the urgent need for conservation efforts in the Amazon.

A new species of giant anaconda, the northern green anaconda (Eunectes akayima), has been discovered in the Ecuadorian Amazon, diverging genetically from its southern counterpart by 5.5%.
The discovery was made during an expedition led by Professor Bryan Fry from The University of Queensland, in collaboration with the Waorani people and filmed for a National Geographic docuseries.
The northern green anaconda can reach lengths of over 7.5 meters and weights of around 500 kilograms, making it one of the largest snakes in the world.
The Amazon faces significant ecological threats, including deforestation, habitat degradation, and pollution, which pose risks to the newly discovered anaconda and other species.
The discovery underscores the importance of further research and conservation efforts to protect the Amazon's biodiversity and the health of its ecosystems.