Snake Island, also known as Ilha da Queimada Grande, is a small island located off the coast of Brazil. The island is a part of the São Paulo state and is situated about 93 miles south of the city of São Paulo. The island is known for its high concentration of venomous snakes and is considered one of the most dangerous places in the world.
The island is approximately 110 acres in size and is home to a species of venomous snakes known as Bothrops insularis or Golden Lancehead Vipers. The Golden Lancehead Viper is one of the most venomous snakes in the world, with venom that can dissolve human flesh and cause death within hours. It is estimated that there are between 2,000 and 4,000 Golden Lancehead Vipers on the island, which works out to be approximately one snake per square meter.
Due to the high concentration of venomous snakes on the island, it has been closed to the public for many years. The Brazilian government has imposed strict regulations on who can visit the island, and only a handful of scientists are granted permission to conduct research there.
The island's history dates back to the 1920s, when the Brazilian government established a lighthouse on the island to help ships navigate the treacherous waters off the coast. The lighthouse was manned by a small group of people who were tasked with maintaining it and providing assistance to any ships that ran aground.
Over the years, stories began to circulate about the high number of venomous snakes on the island, and the dangers that they posed. It was said that the snakes were so aggressive that they would attack humans on sight, and that anyone who set foot on the island was almost certain to die.
While some of these stories may be exaggerated, it is true that the snakes on Snake Island are extremely venomous, and anyone who is bitten is likely to suffer severe consequences. There have been reports of fishermen who have accidentally landed on the island being bitten by the snakes, and some have died as a result.
Despite the dangers posed by the snakes on Snake Island, it remains an important site for scientific research. The Golden Lancehead Viper is a critically endangered species, and the island is one of the few places where they can be found in large numbers. Scientists are studying the snakes in an effort to better understand their behavior and to develop treatments for the venom that they produce.
In conclusion, Snake Island is a small but extremely dangerous island off the coast of Brazil. It is home to a high concentration of venomous snakes, including the Golden Lancehead Viper, which is one of the most venomous snakes in the world. While the island is closed to the public, it remains an important site for scientific research and is a reminder of the incredible diversity of life that can be found in even the most inhospitable places.