Reptiles

Green Anaconda

Scientific Name

Eunectes murinus

Other Common Name(s)

Water Boa

Body Weight

Up to 250 kg

Body Length

Can be over 6 m (There has been a lot of discussion among scientists on the actual maximum length)

Silhouette of a large coiled snake next to a human figure for scale.

Close-up of a snake's head with its tongue flicking out in green grass.

Habitat

Rivers, ponds, marshes, and savannas

Diet

Fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals

Fun Facts

Green anacondas are the largest snakes in the world. Their bodies can reach up to more than 30 cm in diameter.

As opportunistic feeders, green anacondas prey on whatever they can catch and swallow. Because their jaws are connected by highly elastic ligaments, they are able to devour caimans, capybaras or tapirs. Such big meals can sustain them for weeks or even months as they have a low metabolic rate.

Dark snake with patterns coiled on a tree branch.

Green anaconda partially submerged in clear water, resting on a rock.

Distribution

South America, including countries such as Colombia, Brazil, Venezuela, and Bolivia

Threats & Conservation

Threats

Urbanisation & Infrastructure
Overexploitation of Biological Resources
Human Disturbance & Ecosystem Disruption

Green anacondas are hunted for their skin. Despite their enormous size, some of them are captured for the pet trade. Due to popular stories and myths, people have developed a fear and hatred of snakes. This general lack of understanding has led to many deliberate and senseless killings of green anacondas.