Context:
Scientific discovery has raised understanding about two genetically different species of green anaconda.
New Species of Green Anaconda Discovered in Orinoco Basin
- 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.
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About 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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