(Photo: Wikimedia Commons/David J. Stang)
Researchers discovered the world's largest snake in February. It thrived in the Amazon rainforest and was a new species of anaconda. Unfortunately, it just passed away.
World's Largest Snake Killed By Hunters
In February, 15 international biologists discovered the 26-foot-long Northern Green Anaconda. It determined it was a new species based on a 5.5 percent difference in its DNA compared to other anacondas. The anaconda was deemed the world's most giant snake and was named Ana Julia.
However, on Sunday, Ana Julia's lifeless body was found in the Formoso River in the rural area of Bonito in southern Brazil's Mato Grosso do Sul State. It was killed by hunters, according to a report.
Biologist Professor Freek Vonk, the Dutch professor who helped discover the anaconda and swam with her in the river, announced her passing on Instagram. The researcher didn't hide his anger at those who attacked the reptile and called them "sick."
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"[W]ith enormous pain in my heart, I want to let you know that the mighty big green anaconda I swam with was found dead in the river this weekend," Vonk's post on Instagram began. "I've heard from several sides that she was shot to death, though there's no official confirmation on the cause of death yet. I'm so sad and angry at the same time! What a very sad and tragic loss. And how SICK do you have to be to do this to such a beautiful and unique animal!?"
According to Vonk, the anaconda had been swimming around Bonito for decades and was very healthy. She was reportedly in the prime of her life and could have taken care of many descendants, as there were only a few giant snakes its size. Vonk said its passing was a "huge" blow to biodiversity.
He recounted swimming with Ana Julia and admitted it was a "complete shock" to see her size because she was the "biggest snake I've ever seen with my own eyes." According to Vonk, Ana Julia did her own thing and would only stick her tongue occasionally to pick up some scent, suggesting she knew someone was with her.
"This really was a formidable snake, one of a kind, and she did NOT deserve this," the researcher added.
Vonk hoped the perpetrators would be found and persecuted, noting that such behaviors should be "heavily punished." He also expressed sadness at how people "destroy nature so pointlessly."
Ana Julia, The Largest Snake In The World
Ana Julia, a Northern Green Anaconda, was found in the Amazon Rainforest by TV wildlife broadcaster Professor Freek Vonk. She was 26 feet long and weighed 440 pounds, and her body resembled a car tire.
The researchers gave her the Latin name Eunectes akayima. At the time, the scientists said the new species was already threatened due to Amazon's significant challenges. They didn't expect the snake to end up in the hands of hunters.
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