If someone told a scientist, a 21 foot long 500-pound animal was discovered for the first time this year, they would be in a state of disbelief. Yet, that is what happened. The reason for its recent discovery is its similarity to a known species. For over a century scientists thought the recently discovered northern anaconda (Eunectes akayima) was the same species as the southern anaconda (E. murines). However, a recent genetic study determined northern anacondas diverged from southern anacondas 10 million years ago. Despite their identical appearance, the 2 species genetic characteristics differ by 5%–more than twice as much as the genetic difference between chimpanzees and humans. Southern anacondas occur in Peru, Bolivia, French Guiana, and Brazil. Northern anacondas occur in Ecuador, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana.
There are 3 other species of anacondas in the Eunectes genus including the Bolivian anaconda (E. beniensa), the dark spotted anaconda (E. deschavenseei), and the yellow anaconda (E. notheus). All species of anacondas are semi-aquatic apex predators that feed upon waterfowl, deer, rodents (including large capybaras), and even caimans. They suffocate their prey by constricting their coils around their victim. There are no known cases of an anaconda feeding upon a person, but it is certainly possible. They are not the king of the jungle, however. There are no documented cases of anacondas feeding upon jaguars, though it seems possible. Jaguars can bite really hard, causing fatal wounds on anacondas. A Wikipedia entry falsely claims anacondas are known to prey upon jaguars, but the source cites an article which makes no mention of any recorded incidents of such an event occurring. Likewise, a purported youtube video of such an event looks doctored and inconclusive.
Jaguar preying on a yellow anaconda.
Reference:
Fry, B.
“How we Found the Northern Green Anaconda, a New Species of the Heaviest Snake on Earth”
Live Science 2024
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