Snakes are found in most countries of the world. But an area inhabited by snakes all their own? There is such a thing. is an island. The name of this island is Ila da Quaimada Grande or Snake Island in Brazil. This exotic island with an area of 110 acres is regarding 120 km away from Sao Paulo, one of the major cities in Brazil. Thousands of snakes of the endangered golden lancehead live here.
They are extremely venomous and can kill a human within half an hour with a single bite. Many scary stories regarding this island are popular among the natives of Brazil. A very famous story is that these snakes were brought here by pirates to protect the treasure. But scientists say that this is just a myth and there is no reality. These snakes got into the island when the water level rose during the early Ice Age on Earth 11000 years ago. Compared to other snakes living on the South American mainland, these evolutionary changes were evident.
Stranded snakes on the island had no natural predators. Therefore, their numbers increased to a large extent. But as there were no predators, there were no natural prey available for them. Their victims are migratory birds that come to the island. In order to catch the birds, there was a requirement that they should fall immediately following the bite. Otherwise they will fly away and lose their prey. This demand influenced the evolution of snakes on the island. That is how the snakes on the island got six times stronger venom than the snakes on the mainland. Researchers say the flesh melts at the bite site.
During the period from 1909 to 1920, there was a small amount of human habitation here. They were the people to control a lighthouse that was set up on the island. But later when the lighthouse started to be operated in automatic systems, people left here. Currently, the Brazilian government has banned the public from visiting the island. The island is controlled by the Brazilian Navy. Researchers and scientists with their permission can visit here. But when it goes like this, there is a need for a doctor in the team.
English Summary: Let’s Explore Ilha da Queimada Grande, The Forbidden “Snake Island”
