New Anaconda Species Discovered in Amazon, Reveals 10 Million-Year-Old Secret & Human Threat

• Scientists discovered a new species, the Northern Green Anaconda, in the Amazon, previously thought to be one species.
• The new species was identified in Ecuador, with DNA analysis showing a 5.5% divergence from Southern Green Anacondas over 10 million years.
• Northern Green Anacondas inhabit Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela, while Southern Green Anacondas are found in Brazil and Peru.
• Female Northern Green Anacondas are the largest, weighing over 250 kg; males and females have different diets.
• Toxic metals like lead and cadmium were found in male anacondas, indicating severe environmental pollution and a health risk to local communities.

Why It Matters: A new anaconda species discovery highlights ancient divergence and warns of severe environmental pollution impacting human health.