Fauna
Reptile · GBIF taxon 5225709

Beni Anaconda

Eunectes beniensis

Also known as Bolivian Anaconda

Beni anacondas inhabit the lush river systems, oxbow lakes, and seasonally inundated savannas of the southwestern Amazon basin in Bolivia. Highly aquatic ambush hunters, they spend long hours submerged with only their elevated nostrils and eyes breaking the water surface. Like other members of the genus Eunectes, females give birth to live young after a lengthy gestation period.

ReptileAquaticCarnivore
Beni Anaconda reference
Licensed reference(c) Phillie Casablanca (Phil Whitehouse), some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Fish
  • Waterfowl
  • Capybara
Predators
  • Black Caiman
  • Jaguar
ThreatsHabitat loss from agricultural expansion, cattle ranching, and retaliatory killing
HabitatsSeasonally flooded savannas, swamps, slow-moving rivers, and oxbow lakes
Life span15–25 years
Classification
  1. FamilyBoidae
  2. SpeciesEunectes beniensis
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Large constrictor with powerful jaws; maintain a respectful distance to avoid defensive strikes.
Why it is dangerous
Possesses recurved teeth and strong jaw muscles capable of inflicting severe, deep lacerations subject to bacterial infection.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for a heavy olive-brown body with fewer, larger dark blotches and fewer head stripes than related species.
What to do
Do not attempt to touch, capture, or corner snakes in the water or along shorelines.
Responsible observation
  • Viewing distance: Keep several meters of space along riverbanks and marsh edges.
  • Boating etiquette: Slow watercraft down when passing basking individuals on logs or mud banks.
Related species
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?

Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.

Checking your Fauna account…