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A scientist was attacked by a 7.5 meter long snake. PHOTO/ SCIENCE ALERT
LIMA – A group of scientists discovered a 7.5 meter long snake species, a close relative of the Nabau of Kalimantan in the Amazon River, Peru.
Professor Bryan Fry from the University of Queensland said a large one managed to escape, after sinking its fangs into one of the team and trying to drag him into the water.
The Waorani man who was bitten, and those who helped free him, estimated its length at 7.5 meters (24.6 feet).
Based on the scars, Fry determined that the jaw, and perhaps the entire snake, was much larger than any jaw they had caught.
Despite exaggerated rumors, in most of its range, even the largest females cannot reach more than 5-7 meters (16.4 ft) in length.
Giant snakes do not look or behave differently, as they have almost the same markings. However, when the team took genetic samples, they discovered that the species were clearly not the same species – there was a 5.5 percent DNA difference between the two.
Further investigation revealed a larger species also found in Colombia and Venezuela, so it was named the northern green anaconda (Eunectes akayima) while the existing species E. murinus would be renamed the southern green anaconda.
Although there is some area overlap, the two live in different watersheds, following a geographic division beginning 10 million years ago that is reflected in species divisions among many other Amazon animals.
In the paper announcing their findings, Fry and his co-authors also reported that what were thought to be three different species of yellow (smaller) anaconda were local variations of the same species.
Fry admitted to IFLScience that it was sad to have to remove two species from the record, but added.
“We have to be impartial and let genetics prevail, we have to be consistent to maintain the credibility of science.” the sign.
(wbs)