The world’s largest snake has been shot dead by hunters in the Amazon Rainforest.
The Northern Green Anaconda, known as Ana Julia, was found dead in the Formoso River in the rural area of Bonito, southern Brazil, on 24 March.
The snake measured more than 26 feet long and weighed more than 440 pounds.
Experts also say it was as thick as a car tyre with a human-sized head.
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She first gained fame after Dutch biologist Professor Freek Vonk was filmed swimming next to her.
Wildlife filmmaker, Cristian Dimitris, confirmed that it was the same snake, saying: “I compared the markings on her face, which are like fingerprints.
“It must be the most famous anaconda in the world, totally emblematic of the region.
“Images of the snake have already travelled the world.”
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Professor Vonk, who swam with the snake, was reportedly ‘sad and angry’ to learn of the ‘sick’ killing.
After being informed of the incident, Professor Vonk said: “With a lot of pain in my heart, I would like to let you know that the mighty big anaconda I swam with was found dead in the river.
“I have heard from various sources that she was shot dead, although there is still no official confirmation on the cause of death.
“I’m so sad and so angry at the same time.
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“How sick do you have to be to do this to such a beautiful and unique animal?
“As far as we know, she was super healthy and still in the prime of her life, so she could have produced many offspring in the years to come.
“As there are not many of these colossal giant snakes swimming around, the blow to biodiversity is enormous. She was the largest snake I had ever seen with my own eyes.
“I swam next to her for at least an hour.”
This scientist was one of 15 involved in the discovery of the Northern Green Anaconda - before then, only one species of Green Anaconda was recognised in the Amazon.
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Professor Vonk added: “I hope the perpetrators are found and prosecuted because this kind of behaviour must be severely punished.”
Professor Jesus Rivas, the leader of a study, told What’sTheJam: “I have been studying anacondas for 32 years so this begs the question of how many other species there are that we do not know about.
“This finding humbles the mind regarding the true diversity of South America.”
An investigation is currently underway.
Topics: Animals, World News
Mia Williams