The Amazon Rainforest is home to 10% of the known species of Earth. On average, a new species of plant or animal is discovered every other day. Currently, the rainforest is home to the largest and heaviest snake species on the planet- the Green Anaconda.
While filming a National Geographic documentary, a NEW species of Green Anaconda was discovered by Oscar winner Will Smith and Professor Bryan Fry of Queensland. Professor Fry was actually studying the effects of oil drilling in the Amazon, alongside the indigenous Waorani people.
Fry was the scientific team leader during the Amazonian portion of “Pole to Pole with Will Smith.” Smith himself even assisted by wading in the water to help capture anacondas.
“When you look at the male and female anacondas you wouldn’t think they were the same animal, let alone the same species,” Fry said. The female Green Anaconda can grow beyond 5 meters (16.4 feet) long, with rumors believing they can grow much larger. Their male counterparts however, tend to reach half the length and appear slimmer. The two species also have different diets, with the females feeding on grazers and the males feeding on waders. Neither of the Green Anaconda species is known to eat people, despite their reputation. But, they will kill what they perceive as a threat.
This discovery is considered one of the largest new species identifications for this century. The two different species will now be known as the Northern and Southern Green Anaconda, due to the 5.5 percent difference in DNA. The Northern Green Anaconda could be facing endangerment due to oil drilling, logging, and devastation in their regional habitat.
“Pole to Pole with Will Smith” is a reboot of “Pole to Pole with Michael Palin.” It still doesn’t have a release date, but we expect to have one soon.
