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The terrifying, deadly island off Brazil that only scientists and soldiers can visit
BBC Wildlife Magazine • • world
Key Points:
- Ilha da Queimada Grande, known as Snake Island, is located 33km off the Brazilian mainland and is famous for its dense population of thousands of venomous golden lancehead pit vipers.
- The golden lancehead is a critically endangered species found only on this island, evolving in isolation for 11,000 years, with venom potent enough to immobilize birds, its primary prey.
- Despite its fearsome reputation, there are few documented cases of bites on humans, as the snakes are generally non-aggressive and their venom targets birds rather than mammals.
- Estimates suggest 2,000 to 4,000 snakes inhabit the 43-hectare island, and recent footage shows few encounters, indicating a possibly declining population partly due to illegal pet trade.
- Access to the island is restricted mainly to protect the endangered snakes, with only scientists and military personnel allowed to visit, highlighting conservation concerns over human danger.
