A New Species of Green Anaconda

GS Paper III Biodiversity & Environment

Context:

Scientific discovery has raised understanding about two genetically different species of green anaconda.

Southern Green Anaconda (Eunectes murinus): This species is already known and resides in Peru, Bolivia, French Guiana, and Brazil. It’s commonly referred to as the “Southern green anaconda”.
Northern Green Anaconda (Eunectes akayima): Recently discovered, this species is found in Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Trinidad, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. It’s named the “Northern green anaconda”.
- The two species closely resemble each other in their physical characteristics.

Anacondas:

Anacondas, also known as water boas, belong to the genus Eunectes.

They are a group of sizable snakes.

Four different types of anacondas were identified in history.

Aquatic Adaptation: The snakes are well-adjusted to living primarily in water.
Colour: Anacondas have an olive hue.
Markings: They possess large black spots on their bodies.
- Camouflage: These markings help them blend into their environment effectively.

Anacondas as Environmental Indicators:

Environmental Sensitivity: Anacondas are very responsive to changes in its surroundings.
Sign of Ecosystem Health: Healthy anaconda populations reflect thriving ecosystems with abundant food and clean water.
Warning Signs: Decreasing anaconda populations could signal environmental problems.

Green Anaconda

Green anacondas are also known as giant anacondas.
- Females can grow over seven meters long.
IUCN Status: Least Concern
Scientific name: Eunectes murinus
Size: Green anacondas are the largest and longest snakes in the world.
Habitat: They mostly live in rivers and wetlands in South America.
Green anacondas are not venomous.
Amazing Skills: Green anacondas are fast movers and asphyxiate (squeeze and suffocate) large prey before swallowing them whole.
Threats: Climate change, Habitat degradation River Pollution, etc.

Also Read: New Marine Amphipod Species Found In Chilika Lake

News Source: Down to Earth

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