Anaconda

Anacondas are large amphibious snakes found primarily along the swamplands and riverbanks of tropical rain forests in South America. They can be separated into four separate species - the green anaconda (Eunectes murinus), the bolivian anaconda (Eunectes beniensis), the dark-spotted anaconda (Eunectes deschauenseei) and the yellow anaconda(Eunectes notaeus). http://www.planet-pets.com/plntanac.htm, The most well known of the species is the green anaconda; which holds the distinction of being considered the world's largest snake due to its colossal mass and length. http://www.reptileknowledge.com/articles/article17.php

Due to their intimidating size, anacondas have very few natural enemies in the wild. However, recent destruction of the rain forests combined with an always present danger from poachers has caused the population of anacondas to decline in areas where they are not protected. http://www.tropical-rainforest-animals.com/Green-Anaconda.html Currently, anacondas are protected under appendix II of Cites which prohibits commercial trade of the species except for exportation to zoos or research purposes. http://www.tropical-rainforest-animals.com/Green-Anaconda.html

Mating season for the anaconda typically takes place between April and May. http://www.snakes-uncovered.com/Green_Anaconda.html It is not unusual for up to 12 males to seek attention from a lone female anaconda. During reproduction, female anacondas give birth to between 20 and 40 young snakes. Although initially no more than a couple of feet in length, young anacondas receive no parental care and are able to hunt and swim on their own almost immediately.http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/reptiles/green-anaconda.html The largest anaconda on record is reported to be as long as 28 feet with a girth of 44 inches weighing over 500 lbs.http://www.extremescience.com/zoom/index.php/creepy-crawlies/10-biggest-snake

Anacondas are carnivores that typically hunt at night.http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/reptiles/snakes/Anacondacoloring.shtml They feed on a wide variety of animals ranging from small birds to much larger caiman. Relying on stealth to get close, anacondas kill by coiling their powerful bodies around their unsuspecting prey and squeezing until the animal suffocates or is drowned. Anacondas are able to consume prey much larger than themselves because of stretchy ligaments along the top and bottom of their mouth which enable the snake to consume its victim whole. Since it does not have any teeth, digestion takes a long time as prey is slowly broken down by the acid's in the snake's stomach. Once satiated, anacondas can go for weeks without having to eat again.http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/reptiles/snakes/Anacondacoloring.shtml