Green Anaconda Fact File

Green Anaconda (Eunectes murinus)

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Boidae
Subfamily: Boinae
Genus: Eunectes
Species: Green Anaconda
(Eunectes murinus)

What does the name mean? Eunectes means "good swimmer". The term murinus is not clearly defined, "of rats", or "feeding on rats" which would refer the Anaconda's staple diet, the Capybara, the world's largest rodent.
The name "Anaconda" strangely enough has Sri-Lankan origin "anaikolra" which translated means "Killer of elephants" or "elephant killer".

Description: These are large robust snakes and without doubt the heaviest snakes in the world. Click here to read more about the worlds largest snake.
The size of this snake has been greatly exagerated in the past, and reports of specimens attaining lengths of 12m (40ft) is highly unlikely.
The average lengths of these snakes vary between 5.3m - 6.2m (18 - 20ft). What it may lack in length, the Anaconda makes up for it with sheer bulk. Records show individuals weighing in at a staggering 220kg (485lbs).
The colouration of these giants consists of a dark olive green overlaid with black blotches that run from head to tail.
The head of this snake is slighlty narrower than the body, and the eyes are positioned high on the head which is well-suited for its aquatic environment.

Venom: Anacondas are constrictors, and possess no venom glands.

Distribution: Anacondas are found in countries east of the Andes throughout tropical South America. Included in its range are the countries Columbia, Peru, Equador, Brazil, Venezuela, and even the island of Trinidad.

Habitat: Due to their size these snakes are mainly restricted to rivers, waterways, swamps, and lakes.

Habits: Anacondas spend mostly solitary lives in or around water due to their size. On land, these snakes are slow moving and sluggish. Once in water however, these snakes are miraculously transformed. They become graceful and agile creatures, that seem to glide effortlessly through the water with choreographed elegance and precision.
They are primarily nocturnal, but may often be seen sunning themselves on branches or along riverbanks.
They are ambush predators and, due to their colouration, are perfectly camouflaged. Anacondas use both sight and smell to locate prey. With their eyes and snout barely above the surface they glide effortlessly towards their unsuspecting prey. Then, once within striking distance, with surprising speed, the anaconda snatches its prey, and coils its body around its victim. At this point the snake begins to constrict its prey. The helpless victim is either suffocated or drowned. As with all snakes the prey is then consumed head first.

Reproduction: The Green Anaconda is ovoviviparous. This means that although they produce eggs, the female does not lay eggs. Instead the eggs hatch within the female. Typical breeding season occurs in the rainy season between April and May . During this period it is not uncommon to see several males, (up to 12), coiled around a single female. Males will stay coiled with the female for up to four weeks. Mating occurs exclusively in water.
The gestation period last about 6 months and the female can give birth to as many as 100 neonates. The average litter size usually consists of between 20-40 offspring.
Typically neonates range between 70-80cm (2.2-2.6ft). There is no parental care involved, and many neonates are predated upon before reaching maturity.
Sexual maturity in Green Anacondas generally occurs within the first four years of life.

Diet: Due to its size the Green Anaconda is capable of eating a variety of prey. As with most snakes, Anacondas will eat anything they can overpower. Prey items may include fish, birds, other reptiles, and a variety of mammals.
Large Anacondas have been recorded eating large prey items such as caiman, and Capybara.
Although there are many legends and stories about Anacondas preying on humans, there is no evidence nor records of any such claims.

Subspecies: There are two known subspecies of the Green Anaconda: Eunectes murinus gigas and Eunectes murinus murinus

Conservation Status

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