Latest news with #Titanoboacerrejonensis
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Vasuki Indicus vs Titanoboa: Who was the largest snake in fossil history
Earth, our dynamic and life-sustaining planet, is approximately 4.543 billion years old. Over these vast eons, it has undergone dramatic transformations—from fiery origins and shifting continents to the rise and extinction of countless species. Among the incredible creatures that once roamed our world were the largest snakes ever discovered, giants so immense they rival modern vehicles in size and power. Two prehistoric titans, Titanoboa and Vasuki Indicus, stand out as the ultimate apex predators of their time. But which of these colossal snakes truly holds the title as Earth's largest ever fossil? Titanoboa or Vasuki: Which fossil snake was Earth's largest ever discovered Titanoboa: Earth's Giant predator Source: Washington Post Titanoboa cerrejonensis is considered the largest snake in prehistoric history, dominating Colombia's swampy ecosystems about 58–60 million years ago during the Paleocene epoch. Discovered in 2009 in the Cerrejón coal mines, its fossilized vertebrae were initially mistaken for a crocodile's. Researchers led by Jonathan Bloch and Carlos Jaramillo confirmed it was a massive snake, stretching up to 15 meters (50 feet) and weighing 1.25 tonnes. With a body thicker than an oil drum, Titanoboa crushed its prey using 400 psi of muscle force. The discovery made headlines globally, and a life-size model now stands at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. Vasuki Indicus: 47-million-year-old snake confirmed in 2024 study In 2005, paleontologists discovered 27 massive vertebrae at the Panadhro Lignite Mine in Gujarat, India—initially thought to be from a crocodile. After nearly nine years of analysis, scientists led by Sunil Bajpai confirmed the remains belonged to a new species of giant snake, named Vasuki Indicus, after the mythical serpent from Hindu lore. Dating back 47 million years to the Middle Eocene epoch, Vasuki could grow up to 15 meters (49 feet) long and weigh around 1 tonne. Its enormous size and Indian origin made the name 'Vasuki'—Lord Shiva's celestial serpent—a culturally meaningful and scientifically significant choice. Titanoboa vs Vasuki: Comparison Both Titanoboa and Vasuki Indicus represent the pinnacle of snake evolution—but how do they compare? Feature Titanoboa cerrejonensis Vasuki Indicus Discovered In Cerrejón coal mines, Colombia Panadhro Lignite Mine, Gujarat, India Lived During Paleocene Epoch (58–60 million years ago) Middle Eocene Epoch (47 million years ago) Length 12.8–15.2 meters (42–50 feet) 11–15.2 meters (36–49 feet) Weight 1.1–1.25 tonnes Approx. 1 tonne Family Boidae (like boas and anacondas) Madtsoiidae (extinct snake family) Habitat Tropical rainforests (semi-aquatic) Coastal swamps (terrestrial) Predation Style Apex predator; primarily fish-eating Ambush predator; likely ate crocodilians Vasuki Indicus vs Titanoboa : Which was the largest snake to ever live Discovery sites: Where the serpents were found Titanoboa cerrejonensis was discovered in the Cerrejón coal mines in La Guajira, Colombia. This site is one of the world's largest open-pit coal mines and a rich fossil bed from the Paleocene epoch. The tropical climate preserved ancient flora and fauna, offering a rare glimpse into a post-dinosaur ecosystem. Vasuki Indicus, on the other hand, was found in the Panadhro Lignite Mine in the Kutch district of Gujarat, India. This lignite mine has yielded several important vertebrate fossils, and in 2005, paleontologists unearthed massive vertebrae there—initially mistaken for a crocodile but later confirmed to be from a new species of giant snake. Source: WIRED Geological era: When did they live Titanoboa lived during the Paleocene epoch, around 58 to 60 million years ago, a time right after the extinction of the dinosaurs. This era saw the gradual emergence of mammals and the resurgence of reptiles in a world that was still recovering from a global catastrophe. Vasuki Indicus lived during the Middle Eocene epoch, about 47 million years ago, a period marked by warm global temperatures, rising sea levels, and widespread tropical forests—an ideal environment for large reptiles to thrive. Size comparison Titanoboa measured approximately 12.8 to 15.2 meters (42 to 50 feet) in length and weighed between 1.1 to 1.25 tonnes (2,425 to 2,755 pounds). It remains the heaviest snake ever recorded, with vertebrae thicker than any modern-day serpent. Its body was so massive that it likely had to stay in or near water to support its weight. Vasuki Indicus is estimated to have been 11 to 15.2 meters (36 to 49 feet) long and weighed around 1 tonne (2,200 pounds). While slightly lighter than Titanoboa, it could match or even exceed Titanoboa in length, making it a serious contender for the title of longest snake in Earth's history. Source: Reuters Evolutionary roots Titanoboa belonged to the Boidae family, which includes modern boas and anacondas. This lineage is known for non-venomous, constricting snakes that kill prey by suffocation. Titanoboa is considered a distant cousin of the green anaconda, though vastly larger. Vasuki Indicus was part of the now-extinct Madtsoiidae family, a group of large, terrestrial snakes that once lived across Gondwana (ancient Southern Hemisphere continents like India, Africa, and South America). This family had a distinct evolutionary path, and Vasuki's discovery added valuable insight into its diversity and distribution. Habitat Titanoboa thrived in humid, tropical rainforests and was likely semi-aquatic, similar to modern anacondas. The fossil-rich Cerrejón region suggests it lived in swampy lowlands, using water for both camouflage and support. Vasuki Indicus is believed to have lived in coastal swamps or floodplains, possibly in a more terrestrial setting. The fossil site in Gujarat hints at a warm, marshy environment where this snake likely hunted along riverbanks and swampy terrain. Feeding and hunting strategy Titanoboa was an apex predator in its ecosystem, primarily feeding on large fish, including prehistoric relatives of modern lungfish and other aquatic vertebrates. Despite lacking venom, its crushing strength—estimated at 400 psi—was enough to subdue large prey. Vasuki Indicus likely hunted as an ambush predator, targeting terrestrial prey such as crocodilians or early mammals. Its build and evolutionary lineage suggest it relied on stealth and sudden bursts of power, like modern-day pythons or rock pythons. Vasuki Indicus or Titanoboa: Who was truly the largest While Vasuki Indicus may edge out Titanoboa in maximum estimated length, the latter is still considered more massive in terms of weight and girth. Titanoboa's vertebrae were thicker and more robust, suggesting it had a bulkier body structure, suited for overpowering large aquatic prey. That said, Vasuki Indicus stands as a close rival, and perhaps even the longest snake ever documented, challenging long-held beliefs and offering new insights into the evolution of reptiles in ancient India. Also Read | Camel tears might hold the secret to fighting 26 snake venoms; here's what researchers found
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
What's bigger than an anaconda? This 58-million-year-old fossil of prehistoric snake in Colombia may have the answer
Source: WIRED In a groundbreaking paleontological discovery, scientists have uncovered fossil remains of a prehistoric snake that challenges everything we know about reptilian evolution. Called Titanoboa cerrejonensis , this extinct serpent lived over 58 million years ago and is now recognised as the largest and heaviest snake ever found. Stretching up to 14 meters in length and weighing over a tonne, Titanoboa dwarfs today's anaconda and python species. Its discovery in Colombia's Cerrejón coal mine offers rare insight into ancient ecosystems, tropical climate conditions, and the scale of prehistoric megafauna. This astonishing find reshapes our understanding of prehistoric snakes and their dominance after the dinosaurs. World's biggest snake fossil found: Meet Titanoboa, the 58-million-year-old giant The Titanoboa cerrejonensis is a now-extinct species of snake that thrived during the Paleocene Epoch, a critical period in Earth's history that followed the extinction of the dinosaurs. What sets Titanoboa apart is not only its enormous size but also the insights it offers into the evolution of reptiles, prehistoric ecosystems, and ancient climates. According to BBC reports, this species was virtually unknown to science until 2009, when fossils were unearthed at the Cerrejón coal mine in northern Colombia . The discovery has since transformed our understanding of reptilian evolution and the tropical environments that emerged in the wake of mass extinction. Source: BBC Where and when did Titanoboa live Titanoboa roamed Earth between 58 and 60 million years ago, during a time of ecological recovery after the dinosaurs vanished. Its remains were found in what was once a humid, swampy rainforest—now the Cerrejón mine. This site has become a treasure trove for paleontologists studying the Paleocene, revealing a rich diversity of early tropical life. The ancient rainforest, teeming with warmth and moisture, offered the perfect environment for cold-blooded animals like Titanoboa to grow to such extraordinary sizes. Titanoboa: Size and weight According to scientific estimates, Titanoboa cerrejonensis reached lengths of up to 13–14 meters (42–46 feet)—about the size of a modern school bus—and weighed over one metric ton. In comparison, the green anaconda, often considered the largest living snake today, rarely exceeds 6 meters in length and 250 kg in weight. This makes Titanoboa not only the largest snake in the world but also a true apex predator of its time. Source: Smithsonian Magazine Titanoboa hunting strategy: A predator without venom Unlike venomous snakes, Titanoboa killed its prey using constriction. It would coil around its target whether a mammal, reptile, or fish and squeeze until the animal suffocated. Once its prey was immobilized, the snake would swallow it whole, starting with the head. This mode of predation is similar to how modern boas and pythons hunt, showing that despite its size, Titanoboa's feeding behaviour followed well-known biological strategies. Titanoboa diet Initially, scientists assumed Titanoboa fed on large land mammals. However, further analysis of its jawbones revealed loose teeth—a feature uncommon in meat-eating snakes but typical of aquatic feeders. This surprising anatomical trait indicated that Titanoboa was a semi-aquatic snake, likely residing in rivers and lagoons, feeding primarily on large fish. This also places it in ecological comparison with today's green anaconda, which exhibits similar behaviour and habitat preference. Climate clues hidden in Titanoboa's biology As a cold-blooded reptile, Titanoboa depended heavily on external heat to regulate its body temperature. Its massive size would have required consistent warmth, suggesting that the climate during the Paleocene was significantly hotter than it is today. Estimates show the average temperature in its habitat was between 86°F and 93°F (30°C–34°C)—a level of heat crucial for sustaining such a giant prehistoric snake. Why the discovery of Titanoboa matters The discovery of Titanoboa cerrejonensis is far more than just an awe-inspiring tale of a giant snake. It provides crucial insights into: The evolution of reptiles after the extinction of dinosaurs The climate conditions that allowed such massive cold-blooded creatures to thrive The biodiversity and structure of early tropical ecosystems Also Read | Scientists discover a 'second Earth' twice the size of our planet near a red dwarf star, 154 light-years away
Time of India
24-04-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Massive 60 million year old snake that was found in Columbia had a shocking diet
Some creatures have always gone beyond our imagination and only seem to be out of a fictional movie. These massive beasts remained hidden in the mysterious depths of prehistoric Earth, and among them were huge snakes with lengths ranging metres. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now One such slithering creature stands out not for its venom or speed, but for its sheer size and power. This massive snake was known as the Titanoboa cerrejonensis . It was an ancient giant that ruled the neotropical rainforests of South America millions of years ago. It wasn't a fire-breathing dragon or a fabled monster, but something very real and reptilian. On discovering the fossils, the scientists were left stunned, not just by the snake's massive bones, but by what those proportions meant about our planet's climate and ecosystems millions of years ago. The creature wasn't a silent lurker in the shadows, it was an apex predator, and the climatic conditions on the Earth were hotter, denser, and wilder than our own. The information around Titanoboa is not just about its terrific size; it's also a story of mystery, adaptation, and opens doors to the scientific mysteries on the Earth. When were the fossils discovered? The remains of Titanoboa cerrejonensis were first uncovered in Colombia's Cerrejón coal mine in 2009, and then researchers realised that they had come across something extraordinary. But no one was quite prepared for just how massive and unique this extinct snake would turn out to be. Estimated to have lived between 58 and 60 million years ago, shortly after the extinction of the dinosaurs, Titanoboa stretched up to 47 feet long and weighed over a ton. How did the Titanoboa kill its prey? According to the original report published in the Cerrejón fossil study, in terms of appearance and hunting style, the snake was similar in many ways to its modern-day relatives. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Much like the boas and anacondas, it lacked venom and likely killed its prey through powerful constriction. 'Huge muscles wrap around the prey item… and feel the expansion of their ribcage as the animal struggles to breathe,' the original report described. 'At the end of every breath, with the lungs empty, the snake contracts its muscles a little more, tightening its grip and inching the prey closer to the point of no return.' What did this massive beast eat? This death grip would have made Titanoboa a formidable predator. However, what truly amazed scientists wasn't the size or the strength, but the snake's unusual diet. Initially assumed to have fed on large mammals or reptiles, further fossil discoveries, including jaw and skull fragments, revealed something unexpected. The configuration of its mouth suggested it wasn't adapted for consuming land animals. Instead, its loosely set teeth pointed to a fish-based diet, which is an evolutionary trait only seen in aquatic snake species. Scientists say it was because of this reason that placed Titanoboa in the water for much of its life, similar to today's anacondas. The newly uncovered skull fragments, including pieces of the braincase and palate, allowed scientists to reconstruct its head, which measured around 16 inches in length, far larger than earlier estimates. Combined with new body models, these findings stretched Titanoboa's estimated full length from 42 to 47 feet. The size helped the scientists to study about the climatic conditions on the Earth Its enormous size also offered clues about the Earth's climate during the Paleocene epoch. Being cold-blooded, Titanoboa would have required a warm environment to maintain its metabolism. The study concluded that average temperatures in the region at the time must have ranged from 86 to 93°F, far hotter than today's equatorial rainforests. These findings also stand with broader climate models that suggest elevated CO₂ levels during the period contributed to such heat. This discovery also opened new windows into prehistoric ecosystems. Titanoboa's fossil record helped scientists to find out about the lush, aquatic environment, rich in fish and other prey, and capable of supporting such an enormous reptile. Its adaptation to aquatic life, rather than terrestrial, also tells about the significant difference from what scientists expected of early snakes. In the words of the researchers who examined the Cerrejón site, Titanoboa was 'like nothing they had ever seen.'
