https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/23/americas/worlds-biggest-snake-amazon-intl-scli-scn/index.html
Scientists in the Amazon Rainforest may have discovered a new species of snake, rumored to be one of the most giant snakes in the world. A team of scientists and hunters underwent a 10-day journey in the Bemeno region Baihuaeri Waorani and found a group of Anacondas waiting patiently for their prey in the river. Anacondas are some of the largest, constricting snakes found in or near the water in Southern America. Green Andaconda’s are specifically known as the heaviest snake, and it is noted that some of the largest recorded have been about 500 pounds! Researchers exploring the species say that the northern Green Anaconda separated from the southern Green Anaconda about 10 million years ago and presently are 5% genetically different from each other.
These snakes are crucial to their environment as natural predators and contribute to their ecosystem. We should try in all of our power to preserve nature and animals like this and continue to do what we can to ensure the environment is protected by the people and the governments in which these environments reside. World governments and even sovereign governments are moving in the right direction in protecting the environment and the animals that live there, although we still have a long way to go. There could be more changes and protections in the legislature and government policy against outside forces. The Amazon Rainforest is one of Earth’s most incredible beauties and should remain that way.
Due to agricultural expansion, deforestation is a continued problem, especially in this region of the world. The consequences of this have already been proven, with almost 30% of deforestation affecting the habitats of animals like this. Deforestation can also affect international relations, and we want to improve biodiversity conservation. IGOs and some NGOs can contribute to this conservation and combat deforestation. This problem can also lead to resource conflicts, and the Amazon Rainforest holds many natural resources like copper, tin, iron, and gold, which are often fought over between different countries or even indigenous groups. Lastly, Habitat degradation and even natural disasters such as forest fires, droughts, and other conditions amplified by climate change can endanger species like this even more. We should protect and conserve our environment as much as possible.