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Discovery Points to the Eunectes akiyama, a Different Type of Green Anaconda with Ancient Genetic Separation and Direct Impact on Environmental Monitoring in the Region
The Amazon has gained a new protagonist: researchers have identified a new species of green anaconda in the forest of Ecuador, considered the largest snake in the world.
The revelation draws attention not only because of its impressive size but also for what it indicates about the evolutionary history of these animals and the environmental state of areas affected by oil spills.
Released images show the dimensions of these reptiles, including one record in which Dutch biologist Freek Vonk swims alongside a gigantic specimen.
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What Happened and Why It Caught Attention
The discovery occurred in the forest of Ecuador, where a giant green anaconda was identified that belongs to a different species than the one recognized as the only green hoary in the wild.
For a long time, the green anaconda was treated as a single species in the wild, Eunectes murinus. Now, the so-called northern green anaconda emerges, classified as Eunectes akiyama.
What is most surprising is that the two are practically identical in appearance, even having a very ancient genetic separation.
Size and Images That Show the Scale of the Animal
The released records exhibit an anaconda measuring 20 feet in length, which is equivalent to 6.1 meters. This dimension reinforces the idea of one of the largest known reptiles.
One of the cited examples involves an individual weighing 200 kilograms, about 441 pounds, reinforcing the extreme size observed in the natural environment.
The series of images helped to increase public interest, but the central point lies in the identified genetic difference.
Genetic Difference and a Separation of 10 Million Years
The analysis indicated that the new species separated from its closest relatives 10 million years ago, while still maintaining a practically identical visual aspect.
Despite the similarity, a genetic difference of 5.5% was detected, considered high for animals that appear so alike.
The contrast becomes even more evident when remembering that humans and chimpanzees have about 2% genetic difference, a data point used as a comparison to gauge the finding.
Why Anacondas Became Indicators of Oil Pollution
Anacondas have been used as indicator species to assess the damage associated with oil spills affecting the Yasuni region in Ecuador.
The presence and condition of these animals help to understand local ecological health and possible risks that may reach people.
In analyzed areas, there were records of strongly contaminated anacondas, suggesting direct contact with pollutants associated with the spills.
Impact on Health and Alert Involving the Fish Arapaima
Besides the snakes, it was observed that the fish arapaima can accumulate large amounts of metals linked to petrochemical compounds.
This type of accumulation raises concerns as it can reach the food chain and increase risks for more sensitive groups.
The highlighted guidance involves pregnant women, compared to precautions already known in other parts of the world to avoid exposure to substances like methylmercury.
The identification of Eunectes akiyama changes the way green anacondas are perceived in the Amazon and reinforces that there are still significant discoveries in environments that have already been extensively studied.
At the same time, the use of these animals as environmental indicators focuses on the concrete impacts of pollution, with effects that can affect both fauna and human health.
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