The information you provided highlights some of the largest and heaviest snake species in the world. Here are the key points:
- Largest Living Snakes: The largest living snakes, in terms of length and weight, belong to the Boidae (boas) and Pythonidae (pythons) families. Examples include anacondas, pythons, and boa constrictors. These snakes are non-venomous constrictors.
- Longest Venomous Snake: The king cobra holds the title for the longest venomous snake, with lengths ranging from 18.5 to 18.8 feet (5.6 to 5.7 meters).
- Heaviest Venomous Snakes: The Gaboon viper, known for its long fangs and large venom yield, and the Eastern diamondback rattlesnake are among the heaviest venomous snakes, with weights ranging from 6 to 20 kilograms (13 to 44 pounds).
- Snake Species with Maximum Mass: There are fourteen living snake species that reach a maximum mass of at least 50 pounds (23 kilograms) and a length of at least 20 feet (6 meters). Notable species include the reticulated python, Burmese python, and African rock python.
- Variations and Estimations: It’s important to note that reported sizes of snake species can vary, and many measurements are not definitively verified. Some reported lengths may be overestimated. Establishing accurate size records typically requires measurements from deceased or sedated snakes in the presence of witnesses.
- Challenges in Measurement: Measuring the weight of a snake is generally more reliable than measuring its length. However, factors such as captive conditions, availability of abundant food, and veterinary care can affect weight measurements. In the wild, snake weights may be lower due to factors like parasite infestations.
- The New York Zoological Society Reward: The New York Zoological Society (now Wildlife Conservation Society) offered a financial reward for a live, healthy snake over 30 feet (9.14 meters) long. However, no attempt has been made to claim the reward.
- Reticulated Python: The reticulated python is often considered the world’s longest snake, but length estimates exceeding 6.35 meters (20 feet 10 inches) are questioned. Measurements taken soon after death or under sedation are considered more reliable, and lengths of up to 10 meters (33 feet) have been reported, although these are less scientifically supported.
Remember that the information provided is based on available data and may not capture the complete range of snake species or their sizes.