Science

Snake Island In Brazil Is The Stuff Of Nightmares

The snake-infested Ilha da Queimada Grande, better known as Snake Island, is located 90 miles off the coast of southeast Brazil in the Atlantic Ocean.

snake island

Located 90 miles off the coast of southeast Brazil in the Atlantic Ocean, Ilha da Queimada Grande is a remote island known for its peculiar wildlife — mainly, a wide variety of snakes. The island is often referred to as Snake Island and has earned a reputation for being home to one of the densest populations of venomous snakes in the world.

Here's what makes it so scary

With an estimated 2000 to 4000 snakes of the gold lancehead species, the island’s sea cliffs, tropical forests and humid climate make it a perfect home for these predators to thrive.

Furthermore, due to its remote location and lack of human habitation, this island’s environment remains mostly untouched, allowing it to remain isolated with no natural predators or competition in terms of food sources.

As a result, this breed of snake have become especially aggressive and territorial towards humans – so visitors are strictly forbidden from visiting Snake Island.

Snake Island is considered the most dangerous island in the world and one of Brazil’s most deadly secrets. The feral snakes are not the only inhabitants of Snake Island though – Lizards, Tarantulas, and sea birds can be found here as well.

However, the golden lancehead snakes remain the largest threat to humans, with a venom up to five times more potent than that of any other snake species on earth. That’s why access to Snake Island is strictly prohibited by Brazilian law – yet there have still been reports that illegal tours run by fishermen set sail every year in search of adventure and untold riches.

The Species of Snake That Lives There Is Unique and Highly Venomous

The snake island brazil is a species of pit viper found only on Snake Island. It grows to an average length of 3 feet and is considered one of the most venomous snakes in the world. Its venom contains 10-12 times more neurotoxin than any other snake, leading to quick death if it bites a human being.

This species also has evolved several defensive adaptations, including heat sensors that it uses to detect potential prey and predators. Additionally, its camouflage colors allow it to blend into the small crevices in rocks and trees from which it strikes when threatened.

If you rent a boat and go to Snake Island, you’ll have to be very careful because the gold lancehead snake is not the only species on the island; 15 other types are also reportedly living there. One of these is the yellow-bellied sea snake, which can be easily identified by its bright yellow neck and head markings.

This is a highly-venomous species that feeds mainly on eels and small fish, but will also bite humans if they come too close. Other species include black throat blades, boa constrictors and pit vipers — all of which pose a threat to visitors due to their venomous nature.

Visiting the Island is Illegal

As if the island wasn’t unnerving enough, visiting it is also illegal. The Brazilian Navy has declared the island a strictly off-limits military reservation and only scientists with special permission from Brazil’s government are allowed to consider a trip there.
 
Despite its dangers, people still attempt to visit the island illegally for fishing and other such activities.

Getting Too Close to the Coast Could Put Your Life in Danger

With thousands of venomous golden lancehead vipers living on the island, coming too close to the shoreline can be life-threatening. Since snake venom is a very effective anticoagulant, any bite immediately begins to cause internal bleeding and even death within minutes. Even if one manages to get away from the island unscathed, getting back alive tends to be a big challenge due to stormy weather and unpredictable waters.

An interesting fact about the snakes of Snake Island is that they evolved to feed exclusively on migratory birds, making them the only known specialized avian predators.

With no natural predators, their population has skyrocketed, although their numbers and habitats are carefully monitored by conservationists so that they do not impose any danger to other islands nearby.

An annual census is performed in order to keep track of the snake population and make sure it stays under control.

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