Ilha de Queimada Island “The inside is lost”
Description:
Ilha de Queimada Island , also known as Snake Island or Serpent Island, is one of the most dangerous and beautiful places on Earth. For more about this island and why it’s called by these names, read on to the end of the article.
Introduction:
Ilha de Queimada is a charmingly beautiful island located in the middle of the water, surrounded by banana trees from all sides. However, anyone who approaches this island does not return. Hence, this island has been classified as one of the most dangerous places on Earth due to the presence of highly venomous snakes. The island’s name means “removal” or “burning,” reflecting some residents’ desire to burn the island to rid it of snakes.
Location of Ilha de Queimada:
This small island is situated in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Brazil, approximately 32 kilometers from the coast of São Paulo, Brazil. Administratively, this island belongs to the city of São Paulo.
Area of Ilha de Queimada:
As mentioned, this island is small, with an area of only about 106 square kilometers. This area is relatively small compared to other islands.
Danger of Ilha de Queimada:
The island is classified as the most dangerous area in the world. General public and tourists are prohibited from visiting, but experts and scientists are allowed entry after obtaining official permits. Visits are banned, and the island is closed to people to protect both humans and snakes.
Access is only granted to the Brazilian Navy, scientists, and researchers selected by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation. Brazilian conservation units can also access the island.
Ilha de Queimada “Death Island”
is a forbidden land to all humans despite its enchanting beauty. It is home to the golden lancehead viper, with both the interior and exterior being inaccessible due to its high density of five snakes per square meter.
The island is the original and only natural habitat of the endangered Bothrops insularis viper, which feeds on birds. These snakes have been isolated on the island for thousands of years since the end of the Ice Age when rising sea levels separated the island from the mainland.
Do Humans Inhabit the Island?
In the past, the island was inhabited by several individuals tasked with managing the island’s lighthouse, but they were not safe from danger. One family was discovered and eliminated by these venomous snakes, and none of them survived. People have feared entering the island since 1909.
Since then, the island has been devoid of humans but teeming with large snakes. These reptiles are among the most dangerous in the world, known for their high toxicity. Despite the lack of human population, some adventurers and hunters venture to the island to capture rare snakes for sale in black markets, fetching prices as high as thirty thousand dollars.
Features of Ilha de Queimada
Despite the abundant presence of snakes throughout the island, it boasts several unique features not found elsewhere, including:
• Extensive banana tree growth.
• Enchanting beauty.
• Stunning natural landscapes.
• Wonderful tropical climate.
• Rainforests.
• Picturesque coastline.
The Snakes of Ilha de Queimada
Scientists have conducted numerous experiments and studies on the snakes inhabiting this island, estimating their ability to end a human’s life in just one minute. This rate is unnaturally high compared to snakes found in other regions worldwide.
The secret behind this unusually high rate lies in the fact that these snakes feed on carcasses of dead animals.
As a result, the venom in their bodies has become more potent, capable of quickly incapacitating and dissolving human flesh within seconds. The island is responsible for nearly 90% of the global fatalities from snakebites.
There are approximately 4,000 vipers of the golden lancehead species, ranging from 1 to 5 snakes per square meter on the island. Also, several poisonous and rare species coexist on the island, living in harmony despite numerous attempts by the Brazilian government to burn the island, eradicate the snakes, and cut down trees. However, the snakes’ resilience has exceeded all expectations, persisting despite a recent decline of about 15% in their population.
Entry into the Brazilian Island Requires Official Government Authorization
Due to the massive number of venomous snakes on this island, visiting poses a tremendous risk to human life. Several individuals, including tourists and lost sailors, have lost their lives to these snakes. Consequently, the Brazilian government enacted a special law for this island, officially prohibiting anyone from entering without prior official authorization.
This applies to tourists, local residents, and researchers alike. Visitors must sign a waiver acknowledging sole responsibility for their safety and acknowledging the government’s warning about the island’s danger.
The Brazilian government also mandates the presence of a specialized accompanying doctor for authorized visits to this island, aimed at reducing the risk of venomous snakebites and minimizing fatalities.
The Brazilian Navy is tasked with preventing and halting annual visits to the island to preserve the existing lighthouse, which serves to warn ships from approaching the dangerous island. This decision aims to safeguard the lives of visitors and prevent any harm to them. The government has classified this area as a restricted zone.
Stories of Individuals Who Entered This Island
A hunter took the risk of venturing onto the island to eat from the banana trees there, but his soul departed, and no one knew the secret of his death. Afterward, agricultural workers entered the island to cultivate a portion of it after cutting down some of its trees.
However, these workers did not return to their families; they were taken by the island’s vipers and snakes. No one was spared from the danger of these venomous snakes.
Questions: 1
- What are the most dangerous types of snakes found on Ilha de Queimada?
The island is home to several of the world’s most dangerous snake species, including the golden lancehead viper and the Bothrops insularis viper, but the latter is less dangerous than the former. - How did the snakes reach the Brazilian island?
There is a legend that suggests some pirates placed them there to protect the treasures present on the island. According to World Atlas, the snakes were found on this island due to rising sea levels; it was once part of the Brazilian mainland.
Conclusion: 2
Here we conclude our discussion about Ilha de Queimada, Brazil. We talked about its location, size, features, and the reason behind its name. It is an island from which very few have emerged alive, with the number of deaths from snakebites on the island being the highest mortality rate from snakebites in the world.
