Queimada Grande(port. Ilha da Queimada Grande - "Island of the Golden Serpents"), more commonly known as Snake Island, is located in the Atlantic Ocean, 35 km south of the Brazilian coast (port. São Paulo). With an area of less than 0.43 km², this small piece of land has become famous as the habitat of a huge number of snakes, most of them poisonous.
For this reason, and in order to preserve the unique flora and fauna, state authorities prohibit visiting the island, which since 1985 has been included in the list of the most dangerous places on the planet and declared a unique reserve, taken under the protection of the state.
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The most dangerous island in the world
This truly paradise with a complete lack of civilization could become an excellent resort for an exotic vacation, but tourists are afraid to even set foot on its shore. The fact is that the green rocky island is the largest natural serpentarium on the planet.
There is not a single residential building, not a single hotel on Snake Island, only a lonely lighthouse is whitening, operating in automatic mode. The only inhabitants of the island are snakes. Rumor has it that Queimada Grande is teeming with poisonous reptiles: up to 5 deadly reptiles live on 1 m². However, these figures are hard to believe. Especially considering the fact that according to modern research, over the past 15 years, the number of snakes on the island has decreased by more than 50%.
One of the most dangerous snakes on the planet is found here - spear-headed island Botrops(eng. Bothrops insularis), which has one of the most terrible poisons, which chemical composition 5 times more dangerous than poison its mainland counterparts. This is a strong, frisky and rather aggressive animal. The bite of Botrops causes lightning-fast necrosis of tissues. The result of his bite in 10-15% of cases is fatal. The length of the golden spear-headed snakes is 1.5 - 2 m, the skin color is most often golden yellow, but sometimes brownish or green. On a formidable island, the main inhabitants have no natural enemies, so this is an ideal place for them to thrive. Snakes breed here all year round, one female is capable of producing up to 50 individuals. Several species of Botrops are found on the entire coast of South America, causing considerable harm: about 100 people die from its bites every year.
There are no other living creatures on the island, since any animal immediately becomes the prey of spear-headed snakes. They feed mainly on migratory birds, which calmly sit on the branches of trees, unaware of the mortal danger awaiting them.
This is the only known case in history when a snake community completely ousted a person from the territory.
Once snakes lived on the mainland, such a dangerous neighborhood did not suit people at all, and all possible measures were taken: the jungle was set on fire and the swamps were drained. Gradually, the poisonous reptiles that terrorized people were driven out, finding refuge on the island. According to experts, Queimada Grande has long been connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus, along which the snakes moved. Solitude and hot climatic conditions quite pleased the reptiles. As a result of geological processes, the isthmus sank into the sea, and the island was at the complete disposal of poisonous settlers.
Spearhead Island Botrops
The serpent community stubbornly defends its last abode. So, in the XIX century. a certain banana company planned to set up banana plantations there, but the snakes responded with a decisive rebuff - the workers, barely stepping on the ground, were literally attacked by reptiles. Even high boots did not save people - botrops climb trees perfectly, arranging group “gatherings” there and attacking the victim from a height. So only a small part of the island was cleared, where a lighthouse was installed, all 3 of whose keepers, one after the other, died from snake bites.
A few years later, a new batch of workers landed on the island, much more trained - people were in overalls made of dense rubberized fabric that could protect against deadly bites. But in preparing the "operation" they did not take into account the exceptionally hot climate of Queimada Grande. The members of the expedition, who did not have the opportunity to undress, could not stand the heart from the unbearable closeness. It also failed to completely burn out the island due to tropical rains. In the end, people got tired of fighting the misfortune and retreated again, and the government declared Snake Island a no-go zone.
Queimada Grande
But, as usual, the intriguing territory attracts especially curious tourists like a magnet. For a decent amount, local residents can secretly conduct an extreme tour of the island, for which you need to protect yourself with special equipment.
There are many chilling stories about the protected area, we will give one of them, the most common.
They say that one night snakes crawled through the windows into the house where the caretaker's family (the caretaker himself, his wife and three children) moved in and attacked the sleeping people. Adults and children in a panic jumped out of the house and ran into the forest, where they were bitten by spearheads hanging from trees. When the lighthouse stopped giving signals, a military ship was sent to the island to find out the reasons. The sailors found only the lifeless bodies of family members near the forest, and the lighthouse was teeming with thousands of snakes.
Since then, not a single person has risked living on the serpentarium island; a lighthouse has been installed here, operating in automatic mode.
However, on the island all year round research work, serpentologists constantly observe the life of reptiles in their natural habitat and shoot popular science films.
How to make money on bastards
Having banned access to the most dangerous island on the planet, the Brazilian authorities still make money on it. Queimada Grande is extremely popular with tourists. Of course, they are not allowed on the island itself. But guides bring tourists in boats to the rocky coast of the island. After all, snakes almost never go ashore, preferring to live among forest thickets.
It is worth saying that poachers also earn on snakes. According to some reports, on the mainland 1 adult spear-headed island Botrops is estimated at about 10 thousand (about $ 2.7 thousand).
However, there are also those where just being there can be life-threatening. One of those places on the planet is the Snake Island.
Queimada Grande or Snake (port. Ilha da Queimada Grande) is an island 35 km from the coast of Brazil exactly south of Sao Paulo. Included in the list of the most dangerous places on Earth.
Despite all the splendor, there you will not see any hotels or shopping centers. No one lives on Zmeiny Island, and the entire island area is covered with dense forests and stones.
Local natives gave the island the name "Snake" for a reason. About 12,000 poisonous snakes live on its territory (see).
Among them there is one of the most poisonous - spearhead. Its poison instantly acts on a living organism. It leads to the death of tissues, resulting in rapid death.
According to statistics, only on one square meter of land, there are about 5 snakes here! Now it becomes more clear why neither people nor animals live on the Serpent Island.
In order to avoid accidents, the Brazilian authorities have established a ban on visiting the Snake Island. Despite the fact that the country is in close proximity to it, none of the Brazilians dare to visit it.
The island has a lighthouse that operates automatically. The Brazilian government forbade even approaching this place. Once upon a time, caretakers with their families lived on Serpentine Island, but, unfortunately, all of them were destined to die from snake bites.
Practice has confirmed that it is simply unrealistic to coexist with these reptiles, and even more so to escape from them. Despite the fact that people always tightly closed doors and windows behind them, this did not help them survive.
The snakes living on the island are very aggressive and can masterfully disguise themselves and adapt to the conditions. environment. In anticipation of the victim, they can be very long in a stationary state.
It is fair to say that these reptiles live not only on the Snake Island. They can be seen in other regions, such as South America. During the hunt, snakes lurk in the grass, and then make a surprise attack on prey.
Their poison, as we have already said, has an immediate effect on a living organism. It leads to the decomposition of the protein, thereby causing instant death. Such a quick reaction of the poison is explained by the fact that the main source of food for these snakes are birds.
After all, in order for the victim not to fly away, it must be immobilized immediately. In addition to birds, snakes prey on.
In the view of many, the Serpent Island is a true hell on Earth. Those who dared to get close to him could observe with their own eyes large balls of living snakes. Such a terrible picture is capable of instilling fear in even the most courageous and desperate people.
Despite all the horror that the Snake Island inspires, it is considered truly unique in its kind. This is the largest territory on the planet, which is a natural serpentarium (snake terrarium).
Ecologists defended the preservation of this island, which since 1985 has been taken under the protection of the state and received the status of a reserve.
Biologists have named the most dangerous island in the world, which is impossible to visit on its own because of the huge number of poisonous snakes densely inhabiting a small plot of land.
The island of Queimada Grande, which is located in the Atlantic Ocean near the Brazilian state of Sao Paulo, is also called the Snake Island. It would seem that this place is a real paradise, but this impression is deceptive. Visiting this island is like suicide!
The area of the mysterious place is only 430 square kilometers. And only scientists visit the island, because it is teeming with snakes. Biologists have calculated that about four thousand species live on it, including the most dangerous snake for humans, bothrops. One bite of this crumb can lead to death in a matter of minutes. This individual usually feeds on rodents and birds.
It has a huge number of poisonous snakes, many species of which are found only in this place. Brazilians themselves rarely know official name islands. For them, it will forever remain an island of prohibition and danger, or simply the Snake Island.
Local legends say that there are 5-6 snakes per square meter of this island.
And those who have been there at least once cannot but agree with this. At the moment there is not a single permanently living human soul living there. All people have long ceased to consider this place a habitat, and even for tourists, the path there is now completely closed. At the same time, the island continues to be also a natural history closed zone due to the presence of rare and endangered species of snakes on it. The state is doing everything to ensure that the island continues to be in a primitive state, without unnecessary human intervention.
Survival of the fittest on snake island
The only one who over the past few years has been able to reveal the secret over the island was the Discovery Channel, which filmed documentary and showed really frightening shots of this place.
In addition, residents of neighboring islands can often observe huge coils of snakes that are located on the rocks in warm and sunny places. To date, only specially trained people and scientists are allowed to enter the island in some cases for a more detailed study of certain types of dangerous snakes.
Most dangerous view the snake on the island is a botrops, which is popularly called zhararak. Their poison is capable of causing complete necrosis of human tissues and rapid death in a matter of minutes. The venom from a Zhararak bite is enough to kill a mouse in just a couple of seconds.
The snake kingdom on the island has long been living according to its own laws and rules. Many species of snakes continue to live throughout the territory, in contact with other species, and some prefer to retire and capture separate territories.
Entertainment not for the faint of heart?
At first glance, the island resembles a secluded piece of paradise until you learn more about it or see everything with your own eyes. At the moment, local residents offer boat trips past the island and the rocks themselves with poisonous danger for desperate tourists. Many choose more extreme entertainment - diving or fishing near this place.
According to rumors, there was once a lighthouse on the island, but after the snakes crawled in there and killed all the employees, it had to be replaced with an automatic one.
THE REAL STORY OF THE DEATH OF THE LIGHTHOUSE KEEPER'S FAMILY
They say that one night snakes crawled through the windows into the house where the caretaker's family (the caretaker himself, his wife and three children) moved in and attacked the sleeping people. Adults and children in a panic jumped out of the Lonely Lighthouse on Queimada Grandidoma and ran into the forest, where they were bitten by spearheads hanging from trees in clusters. When the lighthouse stopped giving signals, a military ship was sent to the island to find out the reasons. The sailors found only the lifeless bodies of family members near the forest, and the lighthouse was teeming with thousands of snakes.
Since then, not a single person has risked living on the serpentarium island; a lighthouse has been installed here, operating in automatic mode.
However, research work is carried out on the island all year round, serpentologists constantly monitor the life of reptiles in their natural habitat and shoot popular science films.
History of Snake Island
According to one theory of the origin of the island, 11 thousand years ago, the sea level rose significantly and separated a piece of land from Brazil. The snakes that remained there, despite favorable climatic conditions, found themselves in a very difficult (in terms of food) situation, which probably affected the lethality and bloodthirstiness of their future descendants.
Abandoned in complete isolation, the snakes continued their race, and migrating birds became their food, which used the island (Queimada Grande) as a staging post during their seasonal travels. Many snakes are excellent tree climbers, so it is not difficult for them to get their own food by hunting birds. From time to time, snakes themselves become prey, mostly young individuals. Cormorants arriving from the coast of Brazil attack baby snakes while avoiding adults.
If you watch the island from the water, you can see whole tangles of snakes that calmly bask in the sun on the coastal rocks. With a strong desire, one could try to evict these reptiles from the island.
But the fact is that many of them are on the verge of extinction, and the island of Queimada Grande is the only place where they can be found, therefore, all measures are taken to protect and protect them, despite the fact that they themselves are also able to fend for themselves.
The effect of the bite of the island botrops on humans
Botrops is a very fast, strong and poisonous reptile. Its poison is dangerous not only for animals, but also for humans. Sting survivors tell the creepiest stories after encountering a snake. The fact is that bitten places literally corrode, and human flesh falls off in whole pieces, and large blood loss occurs, and the person experiences acute pain. After several deaths, attempts to settle in Queimada Grande (the island of poisonous snakes) ceased.
Unsuccessful attempts to settle in Snake Island
At the end of the 19th century, several businessmen from the city of São Paulo tried to colonize the island. The plans of the entrepreneurs were to set up extensive banana plantations in this area, burn out forest areas and destroy creeping reptiles. But the true owners of the island showed the colonialists who is the boss here. Once on the shore, the hired workers were immediately attacked by snakes, from which even high rubber boots could not save. This round ended in favor of the reptiles.
After some time, the colonization was continued by a more prepared group. Work clothes were made according to a special technology and well protected from snake bites. However, there is another unresolved problem here. Queimad Grande (Snake Island), whose photos are terrifying, is characterized by a very hot climate, and the workers had to make a cruel choice: get bitten or die from suffocation. In such a rubberized suit in the heat, people's hearts simply could not stand it.
They even tried to burn the island, which was prevented by periodic precipitation. After unsuccessful attempts to win back the island from the snakes, its possession returned to the state again. A lighthouse was built on the partially liberated territory, which, however, does not mean that you can find shelter here, but warns that it is not safe to look here for human health, which does not stop curious tourists who want to look at the snake-infested island at least from a distance.
HOW THEY MAKE MONEY FROM SCANNERS
Having banned access to the most dangerous island on the planet, the Brazilian authorities still make money on it. Queimada Grande is extremely popular with tourists. Of course, they are not allowed on the island itself, but the guides bring tourists by boat to a safe, as close as possible distance from the rocky shore. Travelers contemplate with delight and horror the coils of snakes covering the coastal stones, swarming and basking in the sun.
Queimada Grande, also known as the Serpent's Island, is one of the most dangerous travel destinations in the world. Located off the Brazilian coast, the island includes about 445 km 2 of forests, and its main danger is that hundreds of thousands of different snakes live here, including poisonous ones.
Queimada Grande Island - a deadly miracle of nature
This incredibly dangerous one is located about 32 kilometers off the coast of São Paulo in Brazil. Many locals are aware that it exists, but there are only a few who dared to set foot on the most dangerous island in the world, Keymad Grande, and in doing so came back alive.
Not every adventurer will risk his life to admire the deadliest snakes in the world, capable of melting human flesh with their venom. Indeed, Queimada Grande, or Snake Island, is considered so life-threatening that Brazilian authorities have banned it. An interesting fact is that in Brazil there is another Snake Island located in Rio de Janeiro, but without snakes.
History of Snake Island
According to one theory of the origin of the island, 11 thousand years ago, the sea level rose significantly and separated a piece of land from Brazil. The snakes that remained there, despite favorable climatic conditions, found themselves in a very difficult (in terms of food) situation, which probably affected the lethality and bloodthirstiness of their future descendants.
Abandoned in complete isolation, the snakes continued their race, and migrating birds became their food, which used the island (Queimada Grande) as a staging post during their seasonal travels. Many snakes are excellent tree climbers, so it is not difficult for them to get their own food by hunting birds. From time to time, snakes themselves become prey, mostly young individuals. Cormorants coming from attack the baby snakes while avoiding adults.
Not the right place to stay
The island is called forbidden due to the fact that there are 5 per 1 m 2 of area, according to legend. Perhaps this fact is a little exaggerated, but, nevertheless, it is still relevant to real indicators. Queimada Grande is an island where snakes are the full owners of the territory, and it is better for people not to appear here.
If you watch the island from the water, you can see whole tangles of snakes that calmly bask in the sun on the coastal rocks. With a strong desire, one could try to evict these reptiles from the island. But the fact is that many of them are on the verge of extinction, and the island of Queimada Grande is the only place where they can be found, therefore, all measures are being taken to protect and protect them, despite the fact that they themselves are also able to stand up. for myself.
Island botrops - one of the planet
Despite the attractive appearance, the island has nothing to do with paradise. The only building in this uninhabited place is a lighthouse erected in 1909, which now operates offline. Of the thousands of species of snakes on the island, a particularly dangerous island zhararak (island botrops) stands out. It is one of the deadliest snakes in the entire world. Its bite causes necrosis of muscle tissue. Due to the incredibly strong poison, for example, an animal the size of a small mouse dies in 2 seconds.
The effect of the bite of the island botrops on humans
Botrops is a very fast, strong and poisonous reptile. Its poison is dangerous not only for animals, but also for humans. Sting survivors tell the creepiest stories after encountering a snake. The fact is that bitten places literally corrode, and human flesh falls off in whole pieces, and large blood loss occurs, and the person experiences acute pain. After several deaths, attempts to settle in Queimada Grande (the island of poisonous snakes) ceased.
Unsuccessful attempts to settle in Snake Island
At the end of the 19th century, several businessmen from the city of São Paulo tried to colonize the island. The plans of the entrepreneurs were to set up extensive banana plantations in this area, burn out forest areas and destroy creeping reptiles. But the true owners of the island showed the colonialists who is the boss here. Once on the shore, the hired workers were immediately attacked by snakes, from which even high rubber boots could not save. This round ended in favor of the reptiles.
After some time, the colonization was continued by a more prepared group. Work clothes were made according to a special technology and well protected from snake bites. However, there is another unresolved problem here. Queimad Grande (Snake Island), whose photos are terrifying, is characterized by a very hot climate, and the workers had to make a cruel choice: get bitten or die from suffocation. In such a rubberized suit in the heat, people's hearts simply could not stand it.
They even tried to burn the island, which was prevented by periodic precipitation. After unsuccessful attempts to win back the island from the snakes, its possession returned to the state again. A lighthouse was built on the partially liberated territory, which, however, does not mean that you can find shelter here, but warns that it is not safe for human health to look here, which does not stop curious tourists who want to look at the snake-infested area at least from a distance. Island.
Queimada Grande Island has a second name - "Snake Island". The territory of this paradise could be a great resort for visitors, but travelers are not particularly eager to spend their holidays there. The state took the green territory under guardianship and proclaimed it a special nature reserve, as it is a real terrarium created by nature. Today this place is called only as the most dangerous island with snakes.
Location and features of Queimada Grande
The island is located near the Brazilian coast, representing 445 sq.m. forest area. Its main feature is that a huge number of all kinds of snakes live here, both completely safe and poisonous. Queimada Grande is located 32 km from the coast of Sao Paulo. The main part of the population knows that it is located nearby, but only a few have been here who nevertheless decided on this brave act. A trip to the island can be the last for any daredevil.
A tour to a nature reserve is very expensive, so there are only a few people who want to visit the island. The Brazilian authorities made the right decision by banning any visit to this area. The state has on its territory another similar island, which is located in Rio de Janeiro, but the main difference is that it is completely safe for tourists.
How the island with snakes appeared
There is an assumption that the Serpent Island has existed for 11 thousand years. The piece of land was formed after the sea level became much higher, separating a piece of Brazilian land. It is possible that the most dangerous island in the world with dangerous snakes could be completely different now. Why? The reptiles that remained on the island found themselves in rather difficult conditions, it was almost impossible to get their own food using the previous methods, so it can be assumed that due to the prevailing circumstances, they have become more dangerous than they were before. The snakes had to feed on birds that migrated to Queimada Grande during their seasonal wanderings. Some of their species are good at climbing trees, which made the hunting process much easier. The most dangerous island with deadly snakes was sometimes endangered by other birds. Brazilian cormorants flew to it and, avoiding adult snakes, hunted their cubs.
Totally unresortable place
According to some data, it is known that per 1 sq. m. the island has 5 dangerous snakes. Maybe the figure is a little exaggerated, but, most likely, it is close to reality. Their most common species here is the island botrops. Some facts about him:
- It has a fast-acting, strongest poison that kills all tissue cells in an instant.
- You can recover if you have time, but after the bite, unbearable pain is felt.
- Distributed along the coasts of South America.
- There are 30 varieties of Botrops.
- They usually hide on paths trodden by man among the thickets, and if you just touch a snake a little, you can immediately get a bite.