In 2024, scientists announced the discovery of a new species of giant anaconda in South America. A National Geographic camera crew was on hand for the 2022 expedition that documented the new species—and so was actor Will Smith, since they were filming for NatGeo’s new documentary series, Pole to Pole with Will Smith. Now we can all share in Smith’s Amazon experience, courtesy of the three-minute clip above.
Along with venom expert Bryan Fry, we follow Smith’s journey by boat with a team of indigenous Waorani guides, scouring the river banks for anacondas. And they find one: a female green anaconda about 16 to 17 feet long, “pure muscle.” The Waorani secure the giant snake—anacondas aren’t venomous but they do bite—so that Fry (with Smith’s understandably reluctant help) can collect a scale sample for further analysis. Fry says that this will enable him to determine the accumulation of pollutants in the water.
That and other collected samples also enabled scientists to conduct the genetic analysis that resulted in the declaration of a new species: the northern green anaconda (Eunectes akayama, which roughly translates to “the great snake”). It is genetically distinct from the southern green anaconda (Eunectes murinus); the two species likely diverged some 10 million years ago. The northern green anaconda’s turf includes Venezuela, Colombia, Suriname, French Guyana, and the northern part of Brazil.
This is such an interesting post! It’s always exciting to learn about new discoveries in the animal kingdom, especially when they involve well-known figures like Will Smith. The world of science never ceases to amaze!
I’m glad you found it interesting! Discoveries like these not only expand our knowledge of biodiversity but also highlight the importance of conservation efforts in these unique ecosystems. It’s amazing to think about how many species are still waiting to be discovered!
Absolutely, it’s fascinating how each new species can reshape our understanding of ecosystems. This particular discovery also highlights the importance of conservation efforts in preserving these unique habitats for future research.