A Place Where No Man Treads: The Mystery of Queimada Grande Island
Located 35 kilometers off the coast of São Paulo, Brazil, Queimada Grande Island (Ilha da Queimada Grande) is considered one of the world's most terrifying and forbidden corners for humanity. It is widely known in science and folklore as "Snake Island."
Almost every step on the island is full of mortal danger:
- Snake Population: It is estimated that there are approximately 430,000 snakes on the island.
- Density: On average, there are 45 snakes per hectare, meaning it is impossible for a person to walk without stepping on one.
- Lethal Venom: The Golden Lancehead (Bothrops insularis), which lives only on this island, possesses a venom 12–20 times stronger than that of ordinary snakes. Its venom is capable of melting human flesh almost instantly.
The name "Ilha da Queimada Grande" translates to "The Island of the Great Burn." This refers to historical attempts by people to clear the forest with fire to establish banana plantations. However, instead of wiping out the snakes, it only led to a portion of the forest burning away and an even greater increase in the snake population. Currently, the Brazilian government strictly prohibits visiting the island to protect its unique ecosystem and human lives.
