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Environmental Preservation Area on the São Paulo Coast Gathers High Concentration of Snakes, Houses Critically Endangered Species and, at the Same Time, Functions as a Natural Laboratory for Scientific Research
In recent days, Snake Island has returned to the center of attention. This happened because, on last Saturday (23), a boat with three people disappeared near the region. As a result, the incident rekindled public interest in one of the most isolated, dangerous, and biologically significant places in Brazil.
The information was reported by CNN Brazil, according to a report signed by Beto Souza and published on August 27, 2025. According to the article, the area is located on the southern coast of São Paulo and has extremely restricted access. For this reason, any occurrence near the island tends to generate significant repercussions.
Where is Snake Island and Why is Access So Restricted?
The region is located between the municipalities of Peruíbe and Itanhaém, on the southern coast of São Paulo. Currently, it is part of the Area of Relevant Ecological Interest (ARIE) Queimada Pequena and Queimada Grande. In addition, the ICMBio (Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation) officially manages the location.
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The popular name “Snake Island” arose due to the high density of snakes present in the region. On the other hand, the name “Queimada Grande” has a historical origin. In the past, fishermen used to set fires in the vegetation to scare away animals. Over time, this practice ended up naming the island.
Moreover, access to the site remains strictly controlled. This occurs because landing happens on rocky shores, considered dangerous. Therefore, only authorized researchers can enter the island, subject to prior permission from SISBio, granted exclusively for approved scientific projects.
A Natural Laboratory Under Strict Environmental Management
Snake Island currently functions as a natural laboratory in the open air. In this context, researchers from the Butantan Institute and Brazilian universities conduct studies on evolution, isolated ecosystems, and environmental conservation.
Currently, ICMBio manages over 300 conservation units across Brazil. Within this set, Queimada Grande stands out. Precisely for this reason, the agency maintains strict access and monitoring rules.
In addition to the snakes, the island hosts a diverse ecosystem. Among the species, insects, lizards, spiders, and seabirds, such as the booby, stand out. Thus, each element plays a fundamental role in the maintenance of local environmental balance.
The Jararaca-ilhoa and Its Extreme Adaptation
The most well-known species on the island is the jararaca-ilhoa (Bothrops insularis). It lives exclusively in this territory, making it an endemic species. For this reason, environmental agencies classify it as critically endangered.
With the absence of land prey, such as rodents, the jararaca-ilhoa underwent a rare adaptation. Over time, it specialized in hunting birds, captured directly from the trees. For this, it developed a venom about five times more potent than that of the common jararaca, found on the mainland.
Additionally, unlike most snakes, the jararaca-ilhoa adopted diurnal habits. This way, it synchronized its activity with the behavior of birds, which increased its hunting efficiency.
Scientific Importance and Threats to the Species’ Survival
Despite the danger, the jararaca-ilhoa holds great scientific value. Over the years, studies with Brazilian snakes have contributed to significant advances in medicine. A clear example is the development of Captopril, a medication widely used for blood pressure control, derived from research with the venom of the common jararaca.
However, the species faces constant threats. Among them, biopiracy, or illegal trafficking of animals, stands out as one of the biggest risks. This happens because the high scientific value of the venom attracts the interest of criminal networks.
For this reason, continuous monitoring and strict control of access to the island remain essential. Without these measures, the balance of the ecosystem could suffer irreversible damage.
The Boat Incident Reinforces Risks of the Region
The disappearance of the boat reignited the alert about the dangers of the region. According to the information released, the vessel was carrying three people. Subsequently, teams located a body, according to updates related to the case.
Although authorities are still investigating the incident, the case reinforces the dangers of navigation in the area. This occurs because the location combines rough seas, rocky shores, and extreme isolation. Furthermore, the occurrence has rekindled the debate about maritime oversight in sensitive regions.
A Natural Heritage That Requires Constant Protection
Snake Island remains one of the most fascinating and dangerous environments in the country. At the same time, it represents a unique environmental and scientific heritage. For this reason, its preservation demands strict control, responsible research, and ongoing combat against illegal exploitation.
This way, each incident involving the island serves as a warning about the fragility of isolated ecosystems. Thus, the location continues to be surrounded by mystery, but also essential care.
Do you believe that extremely dangerous areas like Snake Island should remain completely closed to the public, or could they be explored in a controlled manner in the future?
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