Golden Lancehead Viper is one of the most venomous snakes in the world, found exclusively on Ilha de Queimada, also known as Snake Island, located 32 km off the coast of São Paulo, Brazil. This species accounts for 90% of all snakebite-related fatalities in Brazil.
This species lives on Ilha de Queimada
According to research by scholar Ludwig Trutnau, the mortality rate from a golden lancehead viper bite is 7% if untreated and 3% with timely medical intervention. This snake is responsible for 90% of snakebite-related deaths in Brazil.
When bitten by this snake, the venom causes a range of symptoms, including: swelling, localized pain, nausea, vomiting, bruising, hematuria, gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney failure, cerebral hemorrhage, and severe muscle necrosis.
The golden lancehead viper grows to an average total length of about 70 cm, with a maximum length exceeding 118 cm.
They possess a light yellow-brown body adorned with a series of light-colored, triangular or quadrangular dorsal patterns that vary in width and may be either interspersed or continuous along the back, depending on the individual. In captivity, this yellow coloration often darkens, likely due to poor blood circulation caused by ineffective thermoregulation. The head features two distinct stripes behind the eyes, and the belly is pale cream or beige in color.
Statistics indicate that there can be as many as 5 golden lancehead vipers per square meter. However, even with a reduced population, encountering death is almost inevitable within just three steps. The reason for the extreme danger posed by this species remains a mystery.
These snakes have evolved to possess extremely potent venom
A widely accepted hypothesis suggests that around 11,000 years ago, rising sea levels separated Ilha de Queimada Grande from Brazil, limiting the snake population’s food sources primarily to migratory birds.
The majority of snake venom takes time to manifest, sometimes taking several days. This means that by the time the venom kills a bird, it may have already moved elsewhere. Therefore, these snakes evolved to develop incredibly potent venom, capable of killing their prey almost instantly.
The venom of this snake can melt human skin
The venom of the snakes on this island is five times more potent than that of other snake species and can even melt human skin. Prior to the island being off-limits, there were numerous cases of people falling victim to this terrifying reptile.
Since the snakes inhabit an area devoid of human presence, reports of human bites appear to be very rare. However, lancehead snakes, in general, are still considered a cause of poisoning and fatalities from snake bites in regions of North and South America.
For many years, only one lighthouse keeper has lived on the island. The Brazilian Navy has prohibited all citizens from visiting the island due to fears of snake attacks. Only a handful of scientists are permitted to access the island for research purposes.
Despite the island’s restricted access, many tales and legends surround it. It is said that those who lived on the island, as well as those who accidentally wandered there, could never return.
Over the past 20 years, the snake population on the island has decreased by 15% due to disease and habitat displacement. The International Union for Conservation of Nature reports that many snake species on the island are listed as endangered.
