Harbor of Death & Mystery: Snake Island

Ilha da Queimada Grande, is a site of wonder and infamous for the omen of death. The original name “Ilha da Queimada” literally translates to Slash & Burn Fire or Big Burnt Island, in Portuguese. This name traces back to the incident wherein an attempt was made at creating a plantation of bananas for growing seeing its tropical environment. Popularly called ‘Snake Island’, this Brazilian Island is the home to the world’s deadliest venomous vipers, Golden Lanceheads being one of them. Infested with sound 4000 of these lanceheads, who happen to be the world’s deadliest snake as well.

The venom injected by them can kill a human within an hour. Surprisingly, these snakes are an endangered species declared by the Brazilian government and so are very unique to this island. Owing to its dangerous territories, the Brazilian government has this island under strict control. Many legends attach themselves to the encounters people had on this island over the years. With its current state of uninhabitability, the years from 1909 to 1920s trace back to anecdotes of a few people living on the island, responsible for running the lighthouse. However as the narration goes, the last lighthouse keeper died along with his family due to the snakes that entered through an open window.

How did snake island evolve into this?

While the mythical urban legend claims that these serpents were put on the island by pirates looking to safeguard their treasure, supported by a detailed documentary that was also aired under the name “Treasure Quest: Snake Island”. However, the reality is otherwise scientific. Dated back to thousands of years ago, the sea level started rising which led to the isolation of Ilha Da Queimada Grande from mainland Brazil. The erstwhile species of the venomous snakes thus got isolated along with it. Without any human intervention, these serpents still managed to evolve and reproduce seeing as there were no ground-level predators to hunt them.

Mutating to their habit, these vipers preyed on birds that migrated on the shore. Reproducing and evolving their venom into a quick to kill potent and effective venom in order to eradicate the wait of venom to work and trace their kill. This newly evolved venom happens to be three to five times stronger than any mainland snake’s—capable of killing most prey (and melting human flesh) almost instantly.

Why is Snake Island a ground for research?

Many researchers and doctors claim the venom extracted from the golden lanceheads found on the snake iland to be of huge interest. Their venom apparently has the potential to treat heart diseases in addition to promising results on blood clots and circulation as well. Scientists have reasons to believe that the venom extracted from golden lanceheads can be utilized in medicine making, for pharmaceutical purposes, and therefore studying these vipers become more vital.

Moreover, one would be surprised that this island attracts a lot of black market deals. Travelers with the intent of smuggling trap snakes and sell them in the black market for a range between $10,000 – $30,000. Even with the risk involved to get hands-on with these species, many risks come attached with it. One of them is the scare of serpents repopulating in another area if not isolated properly. Ergo, as adventurous and beautiful this island looks on the outside, it harbors many deaths and mysteries of nature. The restrictions placed only make sense, especially with the navy allowing only researchers or professionals for exceptions.

Aditi

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