New anaconda in Amazon Jungle could be 'biggest' snake species alive

Scientists have discovered a new species of anaconda - and it's huge.

Anacondas are large snakes found in the Amazon Rainforest.

They can grow up to 30 feet long and weigh 250 kilograms.

Scientists have discovered the biggest variety - the green anaconda - is actually split into two different species. A species is a type of living thing - for example, a pigeon is a species of bird.

Although they look extremely similar, the difference in the two species can help scientists learn how these giant snakes can be protected and conserved in the wild.

Green anacondas were known as the largest type of giant snake. These creatures are found in the Amazon Rainforest, slinking along marshes and in rivers.

Now, scientists have discovered there are actually two types of green anaconda.

Researchers worked with indigenous Waorani people in Ecuadorian Amazon to uncover the species. They had previously reported huge anacondas in the area, weighing up to 500kg.

Research, published in the Diversity journal, found these two types of anaconda are about 5.5% genetically different from each other. In comparison, the genetic difference between humans and chimpanzees is between 1-4%.

In spite of the genetic difference, the two snake species look very similar, which would explain why the species has only been made official now.