Eunectes beniensis is a boa species known only from the northeastern parts of Bolivia.[1][3] Its common names, the Bolivian anaconda and Beni anaconda, are derived from the geographic location of its native habitat: the Beni area of Bolivia. Like all boas, it is nonvenomous.

Eunectes beniensis
CITES Appendix II (CITES)[2]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Boidae
Genus: Eunectes
Species:
E. beniensis
Binomial name
Eunectes beniensis
Dirksen, 2002

Description

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Eunectes beniensis is a species of boa, reaching between 3.3–4.4 meters (11–14 ft) in length and can weigh up to 35 kilograms (77 lb).[citation needed] It was initially believed to be the result of hybridization between the green (Eunectes murinus) and yellow anaconda (Eunectes notaeus), but was later determined to be a distinct species. Its taxonomic status is unclear due to lack of information and the similarity in appearance to Eunectes notaeus. It is closely related to Eunectes notaeus and Eunectes deschauenseei.

Range, habitat and behavior

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The Bolivian anaconda's habitat usually consists of wetlands and other muddy, swampy or flooded areas. It is known only from northern Bolivia.

In April 2022, three researchers published data on an observation of Bolivian river dolphins playing with a large (presumably deceased) E. beniensis specimen.[4][5]

References

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  1. ^ a b Muñoz, A.; Gonzales, L.; Embert, D.; Aparicio, J.; Aguayo, R. (2016). "Eunectes beniensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T174126A18978378. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T174126A18978378.en. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
  2. ^ "Appendices Appendices I, II and III". CITES. 22 June 2022. Retrieved 2 August 2022.
  3. ^ Eunectes beniensis at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 2 June 2020.
  4. ^ Yirka, Bob (5 May 2022). "Bolivian river dolphins observed playing with an anaconda". Phys.org.
  5. ^ Entiauspe-Neto, Omar M.; Reichle, Steffen; dos Rios, Alejandro (12 April 2022). "A case of playful interaction between Bolivian River Dolphins with a Beni Anaconda". Ecology. 103 (8): e3724. Bibcode:2022Ecol..103E3724E. doi:10.1002/ecy.3724. PMID 35412650. S2CID 248099710.

Bibliography

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