Islands of every kind are scattered around the world. But can you imagine one with no human presence at all, and no homes? The island called Ilha da Queimada Grande has not only mystery but a great many snakes.

The island's name is as strange as it is beautiful, yet it inspires fear among locals. Because so many snakes live there, people keep away, and no one wants to build homes or farm there. Anyone who goes will have to face snakes. According to statistics, there are at least five snakes per square metre. Because of the snakes, few birds visit, but migrating birds rest there, and that is when the snakes hunt.

The island lies 33 km from the Brazilian city of Sao Paulo. About 11,000 years ago, rising sea levels separated it from the Brazilian mainland. Among its venomous snakes, the pit viper is prominent, and the island is its main habitat. Hundreds of species of other venomous snakes from around the world are also said to be there, even snakes such as Bothrops insularis.

Many years ago a family lived on the island to look after the lighthouse. It is said that snakes got into the house and killed the whole family. Since then an experienced team has gone to the lighthouse at a set time each year to do the work and then returned.

Opinions differ on the number of snakes on the island. It is estimated that this 430,000-square-metre island holds at least 430,000 snakes, or one per square metre. That is why many call it the 'Island of Snakes', the name by which it is best known.

These snakes snatch birds from the air, coil around them and eat them; lizards and other snakes are also on their menu. The rare golden lancehead lives here. It grows to only 20 inches and feeds mainly on birds. Its venom is so deadly that it melts human flesh within moments.

On the black market, 100 grams of the snakes' venom is worth more than 17,500 pounds. The Brazilian government has therefore taken steps to protect the snake. Because it is in demand on the world market, and to protect it from smugglers and prevent deaths from snakebite, the government has banned the public from the island.

The Brazilian navy decides who may go to the island, as its aim is to ensure the safety of the snakes as well as of people. Only a few scientists and naval officers may go there. The island is a living laboratory for biologists and researchers, who also need special permission to study these rare snakes.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.