arstechnica.com
In 2024, scientists announced a new species: the northern green anaconda (Eunectes akayama). The discovery is featured in an upcoming National Geographic documentary series, Pole to Pole with Will Smith, where Smith and a team filmed a 2022 expedition.
Guided by indigenous Waorani in the Amazon, the group located a 17-foot female anaconda. Venom expert Bryan Fry collected a scale sample for genetic analysis and to test for water pollutants. The study revealed the new species diverged from the southern green anaconda 10 million years ago.
Smith’s journey continues across the globe, from the Arctic to the Himalayas, showcasing diverse scientific missions. The series premieres in January 2026.
