## A moment deep in the Amazon that changed everything Deep in the Ecuadorian Amazon, a routine scientific expedition turned into something much bigger. While collecting genetic samples in remote rivers, researchers came face to face with a massive green anaconda measuring close to five meters. What looked at first like just another giant snake ended up revealing something no one expected. This was not just a large anaconda, but evidence of a completely new species. The encounter was recorded during the National Geographic series Pole to Pole with Will Smith, and the footage shows just how tense and extraordinary the moment was. Scientists carefully took a small scale sample from the snake, enough to unlock its genetic history without harming it. That single action opened the door to a major scientific discovery. ## A new giant anaconda species is confirmed Back in the lab, genetic analysis revealed that green anacondas from northern and southern parts of the Amazon are not the same species. The newly identified one is now called Eunectes akayima, often referred to as the northern green anaconda. The species traditionally known to science, Eunectes murinus, occupies southern regions of the basin. What makes this discovery so striking is the genetic gap. The difference between these two anaconda species is greater than the genetic difference between humans and chimpanzees. Despite looking almost identical, they have followed separate evolutionary paths for millions of years. The northern giant anaconda also appears to grow larger on average and occupies a more restricted habitat, which raises important conservation questions. ## Giant anacondas are ancient and surprisingly unchanged While the discovery of a new species is exciting, fossils tell an equally fascinating story. Research based on fossil vertebrae found in Venezuela shows that giant anacondas have been enormous for a very long time. These fossils date back around 12 million years to the Miocene period, and they indicate body sizes comparable to the largest anacondas alive today. In other words, giant anacondas reached their maximum size millions of years ago and then stopped getting bigger. While other prehistoric giants like massive crocodilians and turtles disappeared or changed dramatically, anacondas found a body plan that worked and stuck with it. Their size, hunting strategy, and semi aquatic lifestyle proved to be incredibly efficient across huge climate shifts. ## Why this discovery matters now Finding a new giant anaconda species reminds us how much of the Amazon is still unexplored. It also shows how modern science, indigenous knowledge, and careful fieldwork come together to reveal hidden biodiversity. These snakes are not just impressive predators. They act as indicators of ecosystem health, especially because they accumulate environmental pollutants from the water and prey they depend on. At a time when the Amazon faces deforestation, pollution, and climate pressure, understanding exactly which species live there is critical. You cannot protect what you do not fully know. ## FAQ ### What is a giant anaconda A giant anaconda refers to the largest species of anaconda, massive constrictor snakes native to South America that can reach lengths of around five meters or more and weigh well over 100 kilograms. ### Is there really a new anaconda species Yes. Scientists confirmed a new species called Eunectes akayima, also known as the northern green anaconda, based on genetic evidence collected in the Amazon. ### How big is the new giant anaconda species Recorded individuals reach close to five meters in length, and researchers believe some may grow even larger, especially females. ### Have giant anacondas always been this big Fossil evidence shows that anacondas have maintained roughly the same giant size for at least 12 million years, making them one of the most evolutionarily stable large predators. ### Where do giant anacondas live They live across the Amazon basin, with different species occupying northern and southern regions, favoring rivers, swamps, and flooded forests. ### Why is this discovery important It reshapes how scientists understand Amazon biodiversity and highlights the urgency of protecting habitats that still hold unknown species. ## Sources [https://people.com/will-smith-travel-series-shows-actor-seeing-new-giant-anaconda-species-11883015](https://people.com/will-smith-travel-series-shows-actor-seeing-new-giant-anaconda-species-11883015) [https://www.livescience.com/animals/snakes/never-before-seen-footage-captures-moment-scientists-find-new-giant-anaconda-species-in-amazon](https://www.livescience.com/animals/snakes/never-before-seen-footage-captures-moment-scientists-find-new-giant-anaconda-species-in-amazon) [https://clickpetroleoegas.com.br/sucuris-gigantes-ja-eram-enormes-ha-124-milhoes-de-anos-e-nunca-cresceram-mais-fosseis-da-venezuela-revelam-que-as-maiores-cobras-do-mundo-mantem-o-mesmo-tamanho-desde-o-mioceno-flpc96/](https://clickpetroleoegas.com.br/sucuris-gigantes-ja-eram-enormes-ha-124-milhoes-de-anos-e-nunca-cresceram-mais-fosseis-da-venezuela-revelam-que-as-maiores-cobras-do-mundo-mantem-o-mesmo-tamanho-desde-o-mioceno-flpc96/)