Brazil's Snake Island: Home to Rare and Venomous Snakes
Ilha da Queimada Grande, known as Snake Island, is located off the coast of São Paulo, Brazil, and is home to two snake species: the critically endangered golden lancehead and the non-venomous Sauvage's snail-eating snake. The island's isolation has led to the evolution of the golden lancehead, a highly specialized pit viper with venom potent enough to immobilize birds quickly. The island's snake population is estimated to be between 2,000 and 4,000, with nearly all being golden lanceheads. Public access to the island is prohibited to protect the snakes from illegal wildlife trafficking and habitat disturbance. 
