Green Anaconda
Eunectes murinus
Scientific Name
Green Anaconda: Eunectes murinus
Distribution and Habitat
Geographic Range
Mainly in the tropical forests of the Amazon and Orinoco basins of northern South America in Venezuela, Brazil, Colombia, northeast Peru, Guyana, northern Bolivia and the island of Trinidad.
Natural Habitat
Found mainly in marshes, swamps, and slow-moving streams. Stealthy and sleek in the water, these reptiles are able to lie completely submerged in water because of the eyes and nasal openings that are located on top of their heads. When the green anaconda is not in the water it can be found hanging in trees.
Physical Characteristics
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As the name suggests, the green anaconda is olive green in color with black blotches that run through the length of its body. The head of the green anaconda is narrower than the rest of its body and has a distinctive orange-yellow striping on either side. Apart from the physical features mentioned above, the green anaconda also has scales.
Quick Facts
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Green anacondas can grow to more than 29 ft. (8.8 m.), weigh more than 550 lbs. (227 kgs.), and measure more than 12 in. (30 cm.) in diameter.
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It is the most massive of all known snake species.
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Anacondas are strong constrictors. They coil their bodies around their prey and squeeze until the prey dies. The green anaconda can unhinge its jaw to stretch its mouth around the body of larger prey items.
Conservation Status
Least Concern: The Green Anaconda is common or abundant and is likely to survive in the wild.
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Diet
Carnivore
These reptiles are non poisonous and live on a diet of deer, birds, turtles, caimans, capybara, jaguars, and wild pigs. Confirmed reports also state that the green anaconda occasionally preys on jaguars. Baby anacondas feed on rats, chicks, frogs, and fish.
