Ilha da Queimada Grande: Exploring Brazil’s Forbidden “Snake Island”
Off the Brazilian coast, a small island presents an exceptional hazard and is strictly off-limits due to a unique reason. Ilha da Queimada Grande, situated in the Atlantic Ocean, near Brazil, encompasses a mere 43 hectares (106 acres).
Renowned for its Dense Snake Population
The island is famed for its prolific snake population – reportedly, one snake per square meter – thus earning the moniker “Snake Island.” Notably, it harbors a species of viper so rare that it is endemic to this location. To safeguard this species, and to protect people from its potentially deadly venom, tourism is entirely prohibited, with access granted only to a select few.
Island’s Diverse Habitat
Snake Island exhibits a mild climate and a varied terrain, ranging from exposed rock faces to rainforest.
Home to the Critically Endangered Golden Lancehead Viper
It serves as the exclusive natural habitat for the critically endangered golden lancehead pit viper (Bothrops insularis). These snakes became isolated on the island thousands of years ago when rising sea levels, following the last ice age, severed the landmass from the mainland.
Evolution and Isolation
Environmental pressures on the species to adapt to their new island setting, along with a significant population expansion, rendered the island too dangerous for public visitation.
Current Status: Protected and Restricted
Presently, Snake Island remains closed to the general public to ensure the safety of both individuals and the snake population. Access is restricted to the Brazilian Navy and approved researchers vetted by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation, Brazil’s federal conservation agency.
Snake Population Estimates
Earlier estimations placed the snake population at approximately 430,000. However, more recent assessments suggest considerably lower numbers. The first comprehensive study of the golden lancehead population indicated a range of 2,000 to 4,000 snakes, primarily concentrated within the island’s rainforest zone.
Other Snake Species Present
The island is also inhabited by a smaller population of the Sauvage’s snail-eater (Dipsas albifrons), a non-venomous snake species.
YouTuber Incident and Safety Considerations
In 2023, YouTuber Lord Miles circumvented Brazilian authorities and landed on Snake Island, donning protective gear to guard against potential snake bites.
Venom and Human Encounters
Scientists point out that the venom of the golden lancehead is evolved to paralyze birds, not mammals. In fact, due to the island’s isolation, no verified instances of golden lancehead bites on humans have been recorded. The YouTuber reportedly did not encounter any snakes during his excursion.
Island’s History, Deforestation, and Lighthouse
Snake Island features some grassland clearings resulting from past deforestation. This deforestation is the origin of the island’s name – “queimada” is Portuguese for forest fire. Locals attempted to clear the land by burning it to establish a banana plantation.
Lighthouse and Inhabitation
A lighthouse was erected in 1909 to divert ships away from the island. The last human residents departed when the lighthouse became fully automated.