This is one of the deadliest places on Earth, 4000 snakes slither here, Navy doesn’t go there because…, its called…

Ilha da Queimada Grande: When we say that we know everything about our blue planet, Mother Nature always debunks our belief by introducing something new that is unexplored. Ilha da Queimada Grande, or Snake Island, is also one of those places. Located near Brazil’s São Paulo, it is considered one of the most dangerous places on the globe. The island is home to thousands of poisonous serpents. It is restricted to people for safety and conservation, as the snake species thriving here face threats from poaching and habitat loss. A team of scientists studies these serpents and their venom, hoping to find medical uses. Let’s know more about this place.

Snake Island: Why It Is One Of Deadliest Places In The World?

The snake island is located in the Atlantic Ocean, nearly 33 km off the coast of Sao Paulo and is home to an estimated 2,000–4,000 golden lancehead vipers. These vipers are among the most venomous snakes in the world. The place is so dangerous that the Brazilian government has banned all public access. Even the Navy is allowed to visit the place once a year, and that too with a doctor and antivenom.

Snake Island: Why Snakes Rule This Place?

11,000 years ago, the hilly area of mainland Brazil was cut due to rising sea levels. The place became an island with no predators and full of small mammals. Snakes evolved here and learned to hunt birds, especially migratory species.

To hunt down fast-moving prey mid-flight, snakes like golden lancehead evolved its venom. The venom of this snake is five times more potent than the same species fromthe  mainland.

Golden Lancehead Viper

Also known as Bothrops insularis, the length of this snake is 70–90 cm. Its venom is five times stronger than mainland Bothrops jararaca. The serpent is a pro in hunting migratory birds like the Chilean elaenia, its main prey.

Story Behind Snake Island?

Ilha da Queimada Grande’s true story is one of a species struggling for survival. The critically endangered golden lancehead viper faces threats from climate change, habitat destruction, and human activities.

The snake venom from this Island has potential therapeutic value, like hypertension treatment and other medical conditions. Therefore, preserving its ecosystem could yield significant benefits for human health.

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