A team of scientists conducting research in the Amazon rainforest has made an extraordinary discovery—a new species of snake, believed to be the largest in the world. Led by Professor Bryan Fry from the University of Queensland, the team embarked on an expedition to the Ecuadorian Amazon after receiving reports from the Waorani people about enormous anacondas rumored to inhabit the area.

During their 10-day journey through the Baihuaeri Waorani Territory, the team encountered several anacondas, including one female measuring a staggering 6.3 meters (20.7 feet) in length. Their findings, captured while filming for National Geographic’s upcoming series “Pole to Pole with Will Smith,” revealed the remarkable size and presence of these magnificent creatures, known for their giant, non-venomous constricting abilities.

The discovery sheds new light on the biodiversity of the region, as the newly identified northern green anaconda species is believed to have diverged from its southern counterpart nearly 10 million years ago. Genetic analysis revealed a 5.5% difference between the two species, underscoring the significance of preserving the Amazon's ecosystems amid threats such as deforestation, habitat loss, forest fires, and climate change. The study, published in the journal MDPI Diversity, highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect rare species like the anacondas and maintain the health of the Amazonian environment.