The Anaconda is a large South American snake of the boa family. The anaconda ot water boa is one of the largest and most powerful snakes in the world. It kills prey by constriction. The reptile is found in the rivers of the Guianas and Brazil. The female anaconda species of aquativ boa inhabiting the swamps and rivers of the dense forests of Tropical South America. The Yellow Anaconda can be found as far south as Argentina.
www.animals.nationalgeographic.com
There are two possible origins for the word anaconda. Its perhaps an alteration of the Sinhalese word 'henakandaya' meaning 'whip snake' or alternatively the Tamil word anaikondran which means elephant kille. Its unclear how the name originated so far from the snakes native habitat. It is likely due to its vague similarity to the large Asian pythons. Anacondas always hunt only when hungry. They can eat any animals they can manage to capture. Young anacondas prefer prey such as fish, frogs, rodents, etc. Adult anacondas can overpower many different kinds of prey. They can eat turtles, sheep, dogs, jaguars, bird eggs, smaller sized mammals, etc.
Anacondas are endangered primarely because of habitat loss and poachers. Poachers sell the skin on the black market for profit. The anaconda has a brownish green scaly skin that glistens but is dry to the touch. The nostrils are on the top of the snout letting the snake breath easily when its in water. It smells with its tongue has no fangs and is non venomous. It has a large head and a thick neck. It emits a foul smelling brownish musk.
| Length | 20 ft |
| Lifespan | 10-12 yrs |
| Weight | 330 lbs |
| Habitat | Forests and Jungles |
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Last updated by Elvis on December 15, 2010