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Adaptations of the Anaconda

The two main types of anacondas, green anacondas and yellow anacondas, live near rivers, streams and swamps. In speaking of the anaconda's habitat, anaconda researcher Jesus Rivas remarked, "This is the absolute master of the swamp, the custom-made animal for this place. It has evolved to catch and kill animals much stronger and much tougher than people." Indeed, these non-poisonous constrictors have numerous adaptations that help them survive in the South American rainforests.

Size
- Green anacondas are immense reptiles. They can be 36 feet long and, as the heaviest snakes in the world, can weigh 550 lbs. Although smaller than green anacondas, yellow anacondas are still quite large. They can be over 12 feet long. Because of their large size, anacondas can capture the large prey -- such as caiman, capybaras, deer and wild pigs -- that inhabit the rainforests.
Prey Detection and Capture
- Anacondas have heat-sensing pits to help them detect warm-blooded animals. Although they can capture prey on land, anacondas are much better suited for aquatic hunting. Green anacondas can stay under water for 10 minutes, allowing them to wait patiently for their prey. Because all anacondas have eyes and nostrils located on top of their heads, they can stay undetected, just below the water's surface, as they wait for their prey.
Eating
- Anacondas have over 100 very sharp, strong teeth. These teeth point backwards to give the snake a better grip on its prey. After constricting their prey, anacondas take advantage of the stretchy ligaments holding together their jaws, widely opening their mouths to swallow the large prey whole.
Odor
- When out of the water, anacondas are susceptible to ticks. These snakes can produce a strong, foul odor that acts as a tick deterrent and poison.

Animals & Science