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Snakes fascinate as much as they frighten. Among the giants of the animal kingdom, two names particularly attract attention: titanoboa, a prehistoric snake, and anaconda, still alive today. But which of these two reptiles really holds the title of the greatest serpent? To answer this question, let us dive into natural history and the unique characteristics of these two colossi.

1. Titanoboa: a relic of the past

Titanoboa cerrejonensis is considered the largest snake that has ever existed. This prehistoric giant lived about 60 million years ago, just after the extinction of dinosaurs. Discovered in Colombia in 2009, it is estimated at a record length of 12 to 15 meters for a weight of almost 1.25 tonnes.

This massive reptile reigned over the warm marshy of the Paleocene. Its imposing size is largely attributed to the tropical climate of the time, which favored the growth of reptiles. Titanoboa probably fed on large fish and, perhaps, crocodilians. Although disappeared, there remains a real enigma and source of fascination for paleontologists.

2. Anaconda: the contemporary giant

The green anaconda ( Murinus Eunects ) is the largest snake living today, dominating the swamps and rivers in South America. It can reach an impressive length of 8 to 10 meters for a weight of 200 to 250 kg. Although it is smaller than certain pythons, its volume makes it the heaviest snake in the world.

A formidable hunter, the Anaconda uses constriction to suffocate its prey, ranging from fish to medium -sized mammals. Its ability to move in water makes it an almost invisible predator, which adds to its mysterious aura.

3. Size and weight comparison

By comparing the two giants, the Titanoboa largely prevails in terms of size and weight. With its 12 to 15 meters, it far exceeds the green Anaconda, which reaches 10 meters at most. In addition, titanoboa weighed about five times more than anaconda. This does not only the largest known serpent, but also one of the most impressive predators in natural history.

However, Anaconda remains a titan compared to other living snakes today. No other contemporary reptile competes with him in terms of mass.

4. Why this difference in size?

The size difference between the Titanoboa and the Anaconda is explained by several factors. The Paleocene environment, with its high tropical temperatures and rich ecosystems, allowed Titanoboa to grow up to extreme dimensions. Conversely, Anaconda is evolving in an environment where competition for resources and climatic constraints limit its growth.

In addition, the disappearance of the megafaunes has probably played a role. Giant predators and titanoboa depended on massive prey to survive. With the evolution of ecosystems and the decrease in great prey, contemporary snakes had to adapt.

5. The inheritance of the Titanoboa and the collective imagination

The Titanoboa, although turned off, continues to captivate spirits. His discovery has inspired many works of fiction, especially in the field of cinema and documentaries. That said, the Anaconda, alive, remains a source of myths and legends, especially among the Amazonian peoples. This mixture of reality and myth contributes to maintaining these two snakes in the heart of the collective imagination.

Between the titanoboa, a prehistoric relic, and the anaconda, a contemporary titan, the competition is uneven: but although the first prevails in terms of size and weight, the second still reigns today as the giant of living snakes.