Snake Island or Ilha da Queimada Grande, is a small island off the coast of Brazil, about 35 km (22 miles) from the mainland. It is infamous for being one of the deadliest places on Earth due to its high population of venomous snakes, particularly the golden lancehead viper (Bothrops insularis), which is endemic to the island.
Here are some key facts about Snake Island:
Snake Population: It's estimated that the island hosts thousands of golden lancehead vipers. In some areas of the island, there are reportedly one to five snakes per square meter.
Golden Lancehead Viper: This species is critically endangered and found nowhere else in the world. Its venom is extremely potent, capable of causing rapid tissue damage and death. The isolation of the island has caused the snakes to evolve differently from their mainland relatives.
Human Access Prohibited: The Brazilian government has prohibited public access to Snake Island for safety reasons. Only selected researchers, under strict supervision, are allowed to visit for scientific purposes.
Habitat and Environment: The island is roughly 430,000 square meters (about 106 acres) and consists mostly of rocky terrain with patches of rainforest. It is surrounded by cliffs, making access even more challenging.
Legends and Myths: Snake Island has fueled many myths, including tales of pirate treasure guarded by snakes. However, these stories are often exaggerated and serve to highlight the dangers of the island.
Due to its extreme danger, the island remains a subject of fascination for adventurers, biologists, and thrill-seekers. However, it's widely regarded as one of the most dangerous places on the planet due to the dense snake population.
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