@Maier09 17 November 2022

It is impossible to name, even approximately, the number of snakes on this island. After humans left this terrible place, reptiles reproduce here exponentially. Some even claim that there are as many as five snakes for every square meter of land. It is hard to say whether this is true or not. However, we should not think that people do not visit Queimada Grandi at all. They are still brave. What draws them here, despite the danger of death? Serpentologists receive official permission for scientific observation. But most visitors are illegal. They are convinced that it is relatively safe to be on the shore, since the snakes are only found in the forested part of the island. In addition, for many profiteers, Bothrops insularis is a welcome trophy, as it is highly valued on the black market. There are also treasure hunters who are certain that the pirates buried untold treasures on the island and released hordes of snakes to guard their treasures. Brazilian authorities have banned access to the island, but they are making money from it. Queimada Grande is extremely popular with tourists. Of course, access to the island is not allowed, but guides take tourists by boat to the rocky shore of the island. At the shore, the snakes never come. At the same time, poachers make money on snakes. According to some reports, on the mainland, an adult Bothrops insularis is estimated at about 2.7 thousand dollars. In the last century, some businessmen tried to rid the island of snakes to establish banana plantations. However, the case was not crowned with success. The tall boots didn't help either, as the snake attacks came from the trees. The hot climate did not allow wearing full protective clothing. If you look at the island from the water, you can see the whole tangle of snakes calmly basking in the sun on the coastal rocks. This is an unprecedented case - the reptiles completely isolated the island from people. Neither the usual five-star hotels for these latitudes, nor beaches. Just a forest and a gloomy rocky coast up to 200 meters high.